Bombinhas (pop. 12,456), has long been known by Brazilian and Argentinean families for having some of the best beaches for kids in Brazil.
However, this city just 46 miles north of Florianópolis lures travelers of all ages, especially divers seeking the waters around nearby Arvoredo Island, one of Brazil's top diving destinations.
While some beach towns in Santa Catarina, such as Imbituba, owe their fame to surfing, Bombinhas stands out for its calm waters - but it has good points for surfing, too.
Some of those beaches offer less infrastructure - that's the case with pool-like Lagoa, Conceição, Sepultura, and Lagoinha, where parents can take the kids to spend the day. Quatro Ilhas, which has this name due to the view of Arvoredo, Deserta, Macuco and Galés islands, is great for surfing.
Mariscal and Bombinhas Beach offer a perfect mix of family-friendly hotels with large apartments and beaches with calm waters for the kids.
For a deserted stretch of sand, go to Ponta Grande, Vermelha, Triste, Porto da Vó, or Tainha. Enjoy the seaside cafes and restaurants at Bombas, where everyone goes at night for a walk along the beach and people-watching.
For photos of Bombinhas beaches, check out these Bombinhas wallpapers from Baixaki and the photos under "Praias" on the Bombinhas Guide by Litoral de Santa Catarina.com.
After spending 20 years at sea and becoming the first Brazilians to circumnavigate the globe aboard a sailboat, the Schürmann family opened Instituto Família Schürmann, an organization devoted to fostering sustainability and the preservation of the oceans and coastal areas.
Recently renamed Instituto Kat Schürmann to pay homage to Vilfredo e Heloisa Schürmann's youngest daughter, who passed away in 2006, the institute headquarters, an environmental park at Bombas Beach, can be visited on Saturdays (2p-6p) from March to November.
Go to Bombinhas.com and check "Hotéis, Pousadas e Residenciais". In residenciais, you'll find apartments fitting up to eight people.
Also check Guia de Bombinhas for accommodation options.
Berro d’ Água (55-11-47-3393-3666), on Zimbros Beach; and César (47- 3369-1470), in Bombas, are two of the most popular seafood restaurants in Bombinhas. You can also go the restaurant at the nice Pousada Mauna Lani.
Litoral de Santa Catarina.com has a no-frills listing of eateries in Bombinhas.
For a budget family trip, stay at a pousada that has apartments with kitchens, stock up at the local supermarkets and whip up some healthy meals "at home".
