Tubarão

Tubarão is a municipality and big city in Santa Catarina in southern Brazil that stretches along the river of the same name. Residential districts spread across both banks and are linked by several bridges and wide main roads.

The discovery of coal deposits in the 18th century transformed the small settlement into an economic center in southern Santa Catarina. Mining attracted immigrants from Portugal, Germany and Italy who shaped the character of the city to this day.

The name comes from the Portuguese word for shark and refers to earlier sightings in the river during colonial times. Today many shops and establishments carry this motif as a local symbol.

The central bus station sits about one kilometer from downtown and offers connections to larger cities such as Florianópolis, São Paulo and Porto Alegre. For walking tours downtown is best explored on foot, while local buses or taxis make sense for other districts.

In 1974 a catastrophic flood submerged around 80 percent of the urban area and forced residents into higher districts for weeks. Afterward extensive protection systems were built that now regulate the river flow and aim to prevent further flooding.

Location: Santa Catarina

Inception: May 27, 1870

Elevation above the sea: 9 m

Shares border with: Laguna, Capivari de Baixo, Gravatal, Jaguaruna, Pedras Grandes, São Ludgero, Treze de Maio

Website: https://tubarao.sc.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -28.46694,-49.00694

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:48