Is Florianopolis safer than Rio for NYE?

Generally yes. Florianopolis has lower crime rates than Rio and the NYE crowds are smaller and more manageable. Standard precautions apply: do not flash expensive electronics, avoid unlit beaches after midnight alone, and use Uber for longer distances.

What is the wave-jumping tradition?

At midnight, Brazilians run into the sea and jump seven waves, making a wish with each jump. It is a mix of Afro-Brazilian (Candomble) and Catholic traditions. Participation is optional but it is the defining moment of Brazilian Reveillon.

How do I get around the island?

Local buses connect major beaches but schedules are irregular. Rent a car or motorbike for flexibility. Uber operates across the island. The island is 54km long so distances are not trivial.

Six to eight weeks ahead for hostels. Flights from Sao Paulo and Rio fill up for the holiday period. Book transport by mid-November.

Yes. Joaquina and Praia Mole are the main surf beaches with consistent summer swells. Board rental costs BRL 50 to 80 per day (GBP 7 to 11). Lessons available.

Beach party · Brazil

Florianopolis Reveillon

Name: Florianopolis Reveillon
Start: 2026-12-31
End: 2027-01-01
Location: Florianopolis, Brazil

Brazil's island capital rings in the new year with a beach party that stretches from Jurere Internacional to Lagoa da Conceicao. White clothes, fireworks, and samba until sunrise.

Dates31 December 2026 to 1 January 2027

LocationFlorianopolis

Attendance200,000+

EntryFree (beaches). Club parties: BRL 100 to 500

Annual. Every New Year's Eve.

What Is Florianopolis Reveillon?

Florianopolis is where Brazilians go for New Year when they want the beach party atmosphere of Rio without the scale. The island has 42 beaches, and on Reveillon (New Year's Eve) the major ones host free public parties with live music, DJs, and fireworks at midnight. Jurere Internacional is the upscale venue with mega-clubs. Lagoa da Conceicao is the backpacker centre. Both deliver.

The Brazilian Reveillon tradition is to wear white for good luck and jump seven waves at midnight while making wishes. Whether or not you believe in it, the sight of thousands of people in white running into the Atlantic at midnight is spectacular. Bring a change of clothes: you will get wet.

Lagoa da Conceicao is the backpacker hub: a lagoon-side village with hostels, bars, and restaurants at Brazilian prices (roughly 30% cheaper than Rio). The area fills up from 9pm on the 31st. Bars stay open until sunrise. The atmosphere is friendly, international, and less intense than Copacabana's million-person crush.

Summer in Florianopolis (December to February) is peak season for surfing, sandboarding at Joaquina dunes, and island-hopping. Most backpackers stay 4 to 7 days, combining NYE with beach exploration. The island is large enough to spend a week without repeating a beach.

Information verified March 2026

Where to Stay for Florianopolis Reveillon

Party hostels within reach of Florianopolis's main celebrations. Ranked by guest rating.

Find Party Hostels for This Event →

Getting There

Fly from Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. The airport is on the island, 30 to 45 minutes from Lagoa da Conceicao by Uber.

Sao Paulo (GRU) to Florianopolis (FLN)

Flight·1h 15min·GBP 30 to 70

Rio de Janeiro (GIG) to Florianopolis (FLN)

Flight·1h 30min·GBP 35 to 80

Florianopolis Airport (FLN) to Lagoa da Conceicao

Uber or bus·30 to 45min·GBP 5 to 10

What to Expect

Day-by-day breakdown

31 December afternoon

Beach and pre-party

Beach day at Joaquina or Campeche. Return to Lagoa da Conceicao by 7pm. Dress in white. Street food stalls and bars fill up from 8pm.

31 December night

Countdown and wave-jumping

Live music from 9pm in Lagoa and Jurere. Midnight fireworks over the water. Jump seven waves for luck. Bars and clubs run until sunrise.

1 January

Recovery and beach

Sleep in. Quiet beach day at Barra da Lagoa or Praia Mole. Most bars reopen from 5pm for sunset drinks.

Budget Breakdown

Realistic costs per person · Verified March 2026

ItemLowHigh

Dorm bed (per night)

NYE week prices double. Book 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Lagoa da Conceicao is the backpacker centre.

GBP 8

GBP 25

Street food (per meal)

Acai bowls, pastel (fried pastry), and espetinho (meat skewers) from beach vendors.

GBP 2

GBP 5

Beer (per bottle)

Brahma and Antarctica from beach vendors. Bar prices higher.

GBP 1

GBP 3

Bus (inter-beach)

Local buses connect the main beaches. Irregular schedules on NYE.

GBP 0.50

GBP 1

Sandboarding at Joaquina

Board rental at the base of the dunes. No instruction needed for beginners.

GBP 3

GBP 8

Prices in GBP. Festival week prices may be higher than standard rates. Prices verified March 2026.

Practical Tips

Wear white

Brazilian Reveillon tradition. White clothing for good luck. You will stand out if you do not. Buy a cheap white t-shirt in town if you do not have one.

Bring a dry bag

You will jump in the ocean at midnight. Keep your phone, money, and room key in a waterproof bag or leave them at the hostel.

Stay in Lagoa, not Jurere

Jurere Internacional is expensive and club-focused. Lagoa da Conceicao has hostels, affordable bars, and a backpacker atmosphere. It is also central to the island's best beaches.

Learn basic Portuguese

English is not widely spoken outside tourist hotels. Knowing 'feliz ano novo' (happy new year), 'cerveja' (beer), and 'quanto custa' (how much) goes a long way.