Florianópolis · With kids

A long, shallow north-island sandbar where the water stays waist-deep well offshore and the wind drops in the afternoon. Any age.

The sea turtle project keeps tanks and a small visitor centre beside the fishing village, with a footbridge over the canal. Ages 4 and up.

Boards are hired at the roadside for sliding the dunes behind the beach; hot sand and a long walk back up. Ages 7 and up.

Twenty minutes by launch from Armação to clear, shallow water and marked forest trails; daily visitor numbers are capped, so go early. Ages 5 and up.

The island runs about fifty kilometres end to end and buses take hours. Hire a car for a family, and avoid January if you can.