Praia da Lagoinha do Leste, Remote beach in Florianópolis, Brazil
Praia da Lagoinha do Leste is a sand beach set within a protected bay, where the shoreline stretches between steep cliffs and dense native forest. Beyond the salty waters, a freshwater lagoon fed by mountain streams lies near the shore.
The beach gained protection status in 1992, having previously been visited mainly by local fishermen from the nearby settlement of Pantano do Sul. This late designation as a protected area prevented commercial development and kept the place largely undisturbed.
The freshwater lagoon here holds meaning for local communities as a rare example of an untouched Atlantic coastline where nature thrives without human interference. The name Lagoinha refers to this small lagoon that appears right along the shoreline.
Getting there requires an hour-long hike through the Pantano do Sul trail or a three-hour walk from Matadeiro Beach, as no roads lead directly to this spot. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, since the path is demanding and shade is limited along the way.
Under certain conditions, the water glows at night with bioluminescent plankton creating natural light displays. This phenomenon occurs when water temperature and nutrient levels align to favor the growth of these organisms.
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