Praia do Mar Grosso
Praia do Mar Grosso, famous for its unique dolphin-assisted fishing and stunning coastal views. A must-see natural wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness the dolphin fishing spectacle
Praia do Mar Grosso
Best Time
Witness the dolphin fishing spectacle
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Praia do Mar Grosso, famous for its unique dolphin-assisted fishing and stunning coastal views. A must-see natural wonder.
"One of the most incredible, unbelievable things I have ever seen with my own eyes."
🚗 Beat the Sunday Traffic
Avoid returning on Sunday afternoon; traffic on BR 101 can extend travel times significantly.
🎣 Dolphin Fishing Timing
Arrive early to see fishermen and dolphins work together. It's a magical sight!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dolphin-Assisted Fishing
Witness fishermen and dolphins cooperating to herd fish into nets. A truly unique and unforgettable natural spectacle.
Molhes da Barra
Iconic piers offering stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the meeting of the lagoon and ocean.
Paramotor and Paragliding Views
Experience breathtaking aerial perspectives of Praia do Mar Grosso and the surrounding Laguna landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Laguna's Traffic
Witnessing the Dolphin-Assisted Fishing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Beat the Sunday Traffic
Avoid returning on Sunday afternoon; traffic on BR 101 can extend travel times significantly.
🎣 Dolphin Fishing Timing
Arrive early to see fishermen and dolphins work together. It's a magical sight!
Anyone been to Laguna, SC?
📸 Drone Views are Amazing
Capture stunning aerial shots of the beach and Laguna from above. 
🏖️ Beachfront Beauty
Enjoy the beautiful sandy shores and the vibrant atmosphere of this popular beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Beat the Sunday Traffic
Avoid returning on Sunday afternoon; traffic on BR 101 can extend travel times significantly.
🎣 Dolphin Fishing Timing
Arrive early to see fishermen and dolphins work together. It's a magical sight!
📸 Drone Views are Amazing
Capture stunning aerial shots of the beach and Laguna from above.
🏖️ Beachfront Beauty
Enjoy the beautiful sandy shores and the vibrant atmosphere of this popular beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Praia do Mar Grosso is overwhelmingly praised for its stunning natural beauty and the unique spectacle of dolphin-assisted fishing. Visitors are captivated by the harmonious interaction between fishermen and marine life, calling it an unforgettable experience. The beach itself is beautiful, offering a great place to relax and enjoy the ocean.
"Wow,
Just wow.
Okay, I can't leave this as wow.
One of the most incredible, unbelievable things I have ever seen with my own eyes.
The patience of the fishermen as they wade in and wait in chest-deep water for the dolphins to herd fish their way. They hurl the nets as the dolphins pass, gauging their throw carefully not to entangle the bottlenose dolphins, and then slowly reel back in the fish, which is delicious, full of flavor.
The playfulness and kindness of the dolphins as they help, what must be (to them) poor humans lacking in fishing skills like echolocation and useful fins. They drive the fish toward the fishermen. True story."
An'e Perez
"Top!"
Bruno Nicola
"Top"
Paula Mellos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Praia do Mar Grosso is accessible via the BR-101 highway. The drive from Florianópolis typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Be aware of potential delays, especially on weekends.
The BR-101 highway, particularly the stretch near Laguna, can experience heavy traffic and is often a single lane in each direction. It's advisable to check traffic conditions before you travel.
While buses do serve the Laguna region, reaching Praia do Mar Grosso directly via public transport might require transfers and can be time-consuming. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services is often more convenient.
To avoid the worst traffic, consider visiting on weekdays or traveling very early in the morning or late in the evening. Sunday afternoons are notoriously busy.
Yes, there are parking areas available near the beach, but they can fill up quickly during peak season and on weekends. Arriving early is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Praia do Mar Grosso is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access the sand and water.
The beach is open 24/7, as it's a natural public space. However, amenities like restaurants and shops will have their own operating hours.
No advance booking is required for general beach access. If you plan to participate in specific tours or activities, like paramotoring, booking ahead is recommended.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting the beach itself. Standard rules regarding public spaces apply.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach. Remember to clean up after yourselves.
📸 📸 Photography
The Molhes da Barra offer fantastic panoramic shots. For unique perspectives, consider the areas where fishermen work with dolphins or capture the coastline from a higher vantage point.
Drone photography is generally permitted, offering incredible aerial views of the beach and Laguna. However, always be mindful of local regulations and privacy.
Early mornings are ideal for capturing the dolphin-assisted fishing and softer light. Late afternoons offer beautiful sunset hues over the ocean.
The interaction between fishermen and dolphins is a truly unique photographic opportunity. The vastness of the beach and the Molhes are also iconic subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and coastline. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing the details of the dolphin fishing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the morning to witness the dolphin fishing, which is often more active then. While the beach itself is free, bringing your own snacks and drinks can help manage costs and keep little ones happy. Be mindful of the sun's intensity and ensure everyone stays hydrated.
🎣 Wildlife Enthusiasts
Beyond the dolphins, the coastal environment offers opportunities for birdwatching and observing marine life. The Molhes da Barra also provide a great vantage point for spotting sea creatures and enjoying the ocean's vastness.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Dolphin-Assisted Fishing
Witnessing this spectacle is a highlight for many visitors. The fishermen's skill in timing their net throws, ensuring they don't harm the dolphins, is as impressive as the dolphins' intelligence and willingness to participate. The fish caught are often described as incredibly flavorful. To maximize your chances of seeing this, aim for early mornings when the fishing activity is most likely to occur.
This unique tradition is not just a tourist attraction but a vital part of the local culture and economy. It's a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between humans and nature, and a testament to sustainable practices that have endured for centuries. Remember to observe respectfully and avoid disturbing the fishermen or the dolphins during their work.
Navigating Laguna's Road Network
To mitigate these issues, strategic planning is key. Consider traveling during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings, or opting for weekday visits if your schedule allows. Some travelers recommend driving to Florianópolis on a Friday night to avoid Saturday traffic and returning on Sunday morning before the afternoon rush.
Beyond the BR-101, local roads within Laguna can also experience congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons. Having a reliable GPS or navigation app is helpful, but be prepared for slower-than-expected travel times. Patience and flexibility are essential when navigating this region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit