Rio Vermelho State Park

Rio Vermelho State Park is a protected natural area on the eastern coast of Santa Catarina Island, extending between beaches and a large lagoon. The property includes coastal dunes, forest stands, and aquatic ecosystems that together form a diverse natural setting.

The area started in 1962 as a research station where scientists tested various methods for stabilizing coastal dunes. It was designated as an official protected area in 2007 to preserve this natural ecosystem permanently.

Visitors can walk through forest trails and observe birds and other animals in their natural setting throughout the park. The pathways lead through different landscapes, from beach vegetation to denser wooded areas where local wildlife thrives.

Visitors can explore the grounds on foot, with marked trails throughout different sections guiding pedestrians safely. On-site accommodation options are available with basic facilities, picnic areas, and pathways that work for most visitors.

The property contains a rare plant species found nowhere else in the world and holds its only known wild population here. This botanical rarity draws botanists and shows why protecting this area matters scientifically.