September 7th in Garopaba
September is approaching, and you're feeling that urge to escape the routine? If you're wondering what to do in Garopaba on the September 7th holiday, you can start packing your bags: this is, without exaggeration, one of the best times of the year to visit the city. The reason is simple (and huge, literally): it's southern right whale season off our coast, and the long weekend falls right in the middle of the season.
Besides this natural spectacle, Garopaba has dunes that look like a desert by the sea, a historic center with the charm of a fishing town, and a cuisine that blends Azorean tradition with options for all tastes.
Here, September is usually a month with milder temperatures and more rain — part of the Santa Catarina winter still showing its face before spring fully arrives. But look, that's no reason to be discouraged. On the contrary: it's the perfect season to discover the other side of Garopaba, the one that many people who only come in the summer don't even imagine exists.
We've prepared a complete guide — with tips on sightseeing, where to eat, and where to stay — to help you plan this long weekend.
Why Garopaba is a perfect destination for the September 7th holiday.
September is spring knocking at the door, which already guarantees more pleasant days for walking, cycling, and exploring the city without the heavy summer heat. But the big difference with the September 7th holiday in Garopaba is biological, so to speak: between July and November, the right whales They migrate to the coast of Santa Catarina to give birth and care for their offspring in calmer, more protected waters — and Garopaba is one of the few places in Brazil where you can witness this almost from your doorstep, directly from the beach or from natural viewpoints.
In other words, if you're deciding what to do in Garopaba on the September 7th holiday, you're literally in the right window of time to have this experience.
1. The highlight: watching southern right whales (land tour)
This is the program we most recommend for those coming for the long weekend. Southern Right Whale Expedition, The tour, offered by the agency Amo Garopaba, is a land-based excursion—meaning without a boat—that covers some of the beaches and viewpoints with the highest whale sighting rates in the region. Accompanied by a specialized tour guide, visitors learn about whale behavior, their migratory routes, and the importance of conserving the species, with strategic stops for observation and, depending on the itinerary, a visit to the National Center or the Southern Right Whale Museum.
The tour lasts an average of up to 4 hours (and may extend to 6 hours with a stop for a typical regional lunch), includes transportation from your accommodation (subject to availability regarding pick-up area), and departures require a minimum of 2 participants. Prices start from R$248.00 ($), with special dates potentially having different prices — therefore, if this is your main plan for the holiday, it's worth booking in advance, as long weekends tend to fill up quickly.
📍 I love Garopaba, R. Nereu Ramos, 9, Garopaba
📱 WhatsApp: (48) 99858-6623 | Instagram: @amogaropabaturismo
2. Take a cultural city tour of the historic center.
Another way to enjoy Garopaba (and also learn a lot about the city) is by Cultural City Tour, This guided walk, conducted by the Cetaceans Project, takes you through the historic center and reveals details that many people pass right by without noticing—after all, Garopaba was once an important whaling station, and this heritage is still very much alive in the landscape and local culture.
During the journey, you'll pass through historical sites, natural viewpoints, and cultural spaces, always with interesting facts about the evolution of the region. And during whale season, the itinerary may include observation points for the southern right whale, combining culture and nature in a single tour.
The key difference here is the team: made up of biologists, tourism experts, and guides registered with Cadastur (Brazilian Tourism Registry), which guarantees a qualified and responsible tour that is also easy and suitable for all ages. The tour is available daily, with departures in the morning or afternoon, lasting approximately 3 hours, starting from R$120.00 per person (reservations are required).
📱 WhatsApp: (48) 99801-1376 | Instagram: @projetocetaceos.
3. Siriú Dunes: the “desert” by the sea
If there's one scenario that perfectly sums up what to do in Garopaba on the September 7th holiday for those seeking breathtaking scenery, it's the... Siriú Dunes. Stretching for about 5 km, the dunes form a veritable desert by the sea, with mounds of golden sand that change shape according to the wind and the seasons — earning them the affectionate nickname "Lençóis Catarinenses" (Santa Catarina Sheets).
From atop the dunes, the view towards the Siriú Beach It's spectacular, and it's also possible to spot southern right whales swimming close to the coast from this natural viewpoint. The location is also perfect for enjoying the sunset and practicing sandboarding, an activity that has become a tradition among those who visit the city.
4. Visit the Cultural Center and the Tourist Information Center — perfect for rainy days.
If the long weekend really does bring heavy rain, remember this name: Casa de Cultura e CAT. Located in the heart of Garopaba's Historic Center, it's a space full of life, art, and good stories.
The building houses the Tourist Information Center (CAT), a temporary exhibition gallery, the fishermen's communal ranch, the Municipal Public Library, as well as whale bones and panels that tell the story of the city — including the period when Garopaba lived off whaling. Approximately every two weeks, a new exhibition by local and regional artists occupies the space, so there's always something new to discover.
It's well worth going up to the terrace: the view of the cove with boats is one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in the historic center. Admission is free, and the place is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 8 pm and on Saturdays from 2 pm to 7 pm (closed on Sundays).
📍 Address: R. Manoel de Araújo, 200, Historic Center.
5. Visit the Historic Church of St. Joachim and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
For those who appreciate heritage and faith, the historic center of Garopaba holds two other points worth visiting, especially on a holiday with cloudier weather: the Historic Church of Saint Joachim and the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto.
These are quick stops, but they complement a walking tour of the historic center very well, as they are close to... Big house and from House of Culture — You can do all three in a single, relaxed outing, without rushing.
6. Enjoy the local cuisine at your own pace.
A cold day calls for good food, and gastronomy is also part of the experience of getting to know Garopaba. During the long weekend, it's worth taking some time to discover the city's different flavors and enjoy meals more calmly, especially away from the intense summer crowds.
Garopaba offers options for different moments of your trip, from restaurants specializing in seafood and dishes that highlight local flavors to burger joints, pizzerias, cafes, bars, Japanese cuisine, and other gastronomic offerings. There are choices for lunch after the beach, an afternoon coffee, or a special dinner to end the day.
To explore the city's culinary options and choose the one that best suits your itinerary, visit the page. Eat and Drink at Visit Garopaba HERE.
7. Choose cozy accommodations to enjoy the cool weather.
After a day enjoying Garopaba, there's nothing better than having a comfortable place to rest. And the city offers different types of accommodation for those planning to enjoy the long weekend, whether it's a trip for two, with family, with friends, or even a getaway to relax close to nature.
Among the options are hotels, guesthouses, cabins, chalets, apartments, and other alternatives distributed throughout different regions of Garopaba. Therefore, it's possible to choose accommodation considering location, facilities, proximity to the beaches, and the desired style of travel experience.
Before making a reservation, it's worth exploring the available options and finding the one that best suits your itinerary. Visit the page. Where to Stay from Visit Garopaba HERE And check out the accommodations in the city.
Extra tip: keep an eye on the events schedule.
Before packing your bags, it's worth checking the city's official events calendar. HERE!.Long weekends often have special events planned, and this can be the final touch when deciding on the dates for your trip.
Is it worth going to Garopaba even if rain is forecast?
Absolutely. In fact, that's the main point of this text: September is precisely the month when Garopaba shows its most cultural and least obvious side. Without the heat and crowds of summer, you can stroll calmly through the historic center, enter museums and mansions without rushing, sit in a good restaurant without a waiting line, and, as a bonus, even see a southern right whale and its calf swimming near the coast — a spectacle that only happens at this time of year.
So, if you were wondering... What to do in Garopaba During the September 7th holiday weekend, if you thought the bad weather would ruin your plans, relax: the city has plenty to offer, rain or shine. Just choose between culture, history, gastronomy, and whale watching — and take advantage of the cooler weather to experience Garopaba in a way that few visitors know.
Between whales, dunes, and great food, this long weekend in Garopaba promises to be unforgettable. Ready to pack your bags?
