Campeche Island

Campeche lies about a kilometre and a quarter off the east coast of Florianopolis island, and the water around it is noticeably clearer than the beaches opposite, which is why boats run across for snorkelling and why it fills on summer weekends. Its real significance is archaeological: the rock surfaces carry inscriptions - grooved geometric figures, circles and abstract marks - attributed to pre-Columbian coastal populations, and the concentration here is among the most important on the southern Brazilian seaboard, protected as national heritage since 2000. Access to the inscription areas is restricted and guided, and the number of visitors allowed on the island each day is capped. The rest is trail through restinga, a small beach and rocks.

Background

Campeche Island, Ilha do Campeche in Portuguese, lies some 1,250 m off the southeast coast of Florianópolis, opposite the beach of the same name. The rock art found across the island makes it a site of archaeological interest, and the trails to the carvings can be walked only with a guide, while the number of visitors landing each day is capped.

Source: Wikipedia, "Campeche Island"

What you'll find

• Grooved rock inscriptions - pre-Columbian marks protected as national heritage.
• Clear water - noticeably better visibility than the mainland beaches opposite.
• A daily visitor cap - numbers limited and inscription areas guided.
• Restinga trail - the short walk across the island interior.

When to go

October to April. Half a day, going early to get a boat slot.

Good to know

Boats cancel in swell and the cap fills quickly at weekends. Inscription areas cannot be visited alone. There are no facilities and no shade on the island - bring water. Camping is not allowed.

Nearby

Campeche and Armacao beaches face it; Lagoinha do Leste is south.

Key facts