It is the ninth place in the world to be officially declared a World Surfing Reserve.
The Rio da Madre creates a unique micro-estuary environment where freshwater meets the Atlantic Ocean.
The Pedra do Urubu viewpoint offers a panoramic outlook over the entire river mouth and the coastline.
The region falls within the boundaries of the Serra do Tabuleiro State Park, which protects the largest area of Atlantic Forest in Santa Catarina.
During low tide, the river crossing can be knee-deep, while high tide requires professional boat transport.
Guarda do Embaú is distinguished by the Rio da Madre river, which separates the village from the beach and necessitates a shallow crossing to reach the dunes and the ocean. The beach is officially designated as a World Surfing Reserve, recognized for its high-quality right-hand waves near the rocky outcrop. The area is part of the Serra do Tabuleiro State Park, one of the most significant conservation units in Santa Catarina. Visitors access the beach by wading across the river or paying local boatmen for a short ferry ride. The landscape features a mix of riverine ecosystems, Atlantic Forest, and an extensive sandbar. It maintains a protected status that limits large-scale urban development compared to neighboring beach towns. The village itself retains a bohemian character with narrow, unpaved streets and local artisanal structures.
The summit of the Pedra do Urubu trail, providing a vertical perspective of the river snaking toward the ocean.
Bring waterproof bags or dry sacks if you plan to carry electronics across the river.
Bring physical currency in small denominations to pay the local boatmen for the river crossing.
Visit during the shoulder season to avoid significant crowd congestion on the sandbar.
Avoid attempting to swim across the river mouth during strong outgoing tides or high current conditions.
Respect the environmental regulations of the state park; do not disturb native vegetation or wildlife dunes.
