Stand Up Paddling in Brazil

Stand Up Paddling (SUPing) is a great water sport, accessible to a wide variety of people – from kids to adults. And when you can combine a bit of exercise with stunning scenery, life is good. The amazing natural beauty of Brazil is perfect for the sport. There’s a variety of places to choose from including tranquil lakes and inviting calm waves of the open sea. Brazil is an amazing place for an exotic getaway and SUPing is a great way to make the most of the balmy outdoors of this fascinating country.

Lago Paranoá, Brasília

This stunning artificial lake located in the capital of Brazil is a paradise for water sport lovers. Jump on your board and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding area. And keep your camera close by for a postcard moment while rowing towards the formidable JK Bridge.

Lago Paranoá, Brasília

The lake was created during the city construction, the Paranoá River was dammed to produce it. It is 80 km (50 mi) in circumference. It’s a little piece of nature tucked away in the city. On the shores you will find the suburbs of Lago Sul and Lago Norte, the Brasília University, restaurants, sports clubs, the Olympic Center, consulates and embassies, and the Palácio da Alvorada. You can also paddle past the official home of the Brazilian president.

Forno Beach, Arraial do Cabo

Stare out over the pristine waters with its shades of blue and green, it’s been called one of the most beautiful beaches in Arraial do Cabo. But beware, its beauty draws big crowds, it is especially busy in the summer. Don’t be fooled by the warm weather, the water will still be icy cold.

Forno Beach, Arraial do Cabo

The small cove on the Rio de Janeiro coastline is a great spot to test out your SUPing skills. Practice to your hearts content in the inspiring surroundings. Afterwards you can reward yourself with scrumptious seafood at the floating beach restaurant.

Conceição Lagoon, Florianópolis

When you are visiting the island, you must spend some time at this amazing lagoon. If you don’t feel quite ready to paddle on the open waters of the sea, this is the ideal alternative for you. Plan your paddling session towards the end of the day and enjoy an unforgettable sunset.

Conceição Lagoon, Florianópolis

The island offers you the best of both worlds, if you feel ready to move over to the sea, you can travel to the edge of the island to the beautiful beaches. Beware that the popular tourist destination becomes extra busy in the Brazilian summer vacation (January and February)

Poço Encantado Waterfall, Chapada dos Veadeiros

The mesmerizing waterfall is tucked away in a secluded spot in the Poco Encantado national park, a protected area. Cool down in the cold waterfall waters before jumping back on your board for a paddle in the pool with friendly small fish swimming under you. Relax on the pristine fine white sand of the small beach afterwards. Explore the jungle-like area surrounding the waterfall. The rock formations found in the park are some of the oldest in the world. After your spectacular SUPing session, stop at the little restaurant near the waterfall for a simplistic roasted fish meal.

Travelling tip: book a stay in a pousada

In Brazil you don’t have to stay in a hotel, you can stay in a pousada. The Portuguese word means “inn” and it’s very different to a traditional hotel. If you want to translate it closer to English, you could call it a “bed and breakfast” or “guesthouse”.

These accommodation hubs offer you a much more intimate accommodation experience. Usually they only have about 20 rooms, some even as small as less than 10 rooms. A pousada is run independently, typically managed by a family. The type of pousada you can stay in range from a little fancy boutique hotel, to an experience closer to AirBnB with a spare room or section of a house converted into tourist accommodation.

Madeiro Beach, Tibau do Sul

This stunning protected beach is one of the wildest areas of the region. You can only access it by foot. A tropical forest leads onto the secluded spot, with its residents including turtles and dolphins. The dolphins are regular visitors to the area and can be spotted almost every day. What better way to create a memorable Brazilian SUP experience, than to be joined by a pod of dolphins. With the area being part of a national preservation project, you are guaranteed an amazing rugged nature-filled experience here.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão

The words “sand dunes” and “stand up paddling” don’t often meet each other in the same sentence. But in this national park the rainy season creates a unique phenomena. The valleys between the dunes are filled with freshwater, creating seasonal lagoons.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão

The sturdy rock located beneath the sand prevents the water from draining. This desert was declared a protected area in 1981. It is 383,000-acre (155,000 ha) in total, including 70 km (43 mi) of coastline. It has become a popular spot for ecotourists, with four endangered species calling it home.

A stay in an Atins pousada is highly recommended when you visit during the rainy season. The town
is located conveniently close to travel in and out of the national park.

Negro River, Manaus

Experience a truly amazing natural phenomena called the “Meeting of the Waters.” The dark Negro
River mingles with the brown Solimões River to create a striking combination that forms the Amazon River. Paddle on the strange river wrapped by the Amazon Rainforest.

Amazon and Rio Negro Rivers Meeting of the Waters in Brazil

Paddling the igapós, Amazon Rainforest vegetation flooded by the river, is a once in a lifetime experience. You will feel truly part of the lush forest surrounding you. The Negro river is the gateway to the expansive state of Amazonas.

Concha Beach, Itacaré

It’s an easy ten-minute stroll to the beach from the Pituba city center. It’s a perfect spot for anyone wanting to get better acquainted with SUPing. Make your way through the coconut trees to the beautiful tranquil sea. Compared to the other nearby beaches, the sea is much calmer here. Start closer to the lighthouse to access the shallow water. It’s an ideal spot for SUP practice sessions. Once you’ve tired yourself out, pop in at one of the close by beach restaurants for a refreshing cocktail.