For those who love nature, Santa Catarina is paradise. The geographic diversity of the state, allied to the rich and preserved vegetation, guarantee fascinating options to lovers of eco-tourism. Diving, hang-gliding, hiking, mountain climbing and canoeing are some of the sports enthusiastically practiced in the state.

For divers, there is no place better than the Arvoredo Biological Reserve, a group of islands located between Porto Belo and Florianópolis. The Reserve is at the junction of the icy waters of the Falklands Current and the warm waters of the Brazil Current, producing a special mixture of marine life. Other islands, such as that of Campeche, in Florianópolis, also offer good diving, as do the rocky coasts and coves along the entire state from Laguna to São Francisco do Sul.

Those who seek adventure won't be deceived along the slopes of the coastal mountains. One can descend waterfalls at Presidente Getúlio, go rafting in the rapids in the Itajaí-Açu River, soar in a hang-glider in Jaraguá do Sul or go hiking in Florianópolis, or in the Serra do Corvo Branco mountains. These are just some of the ecological sports possible in the rustic scenery of the state's Atlantic Coastal Forest.

The waterfalls of Corupá and the fantastic Botuverá cave are also icons of local eco-tourism. This is a segment that is visibly growing and represents a new source of income for the state.