Surf and History stimulate tourism in the region south of Florianópolis. The waves of Garopaba and Imbituba and the historical attractions of Laguna attract thousands of visitors to the region, where the beautiful natural scenery also encourages eco-tourism.

Because of the large, well formed waves ideal for surfing, the region between Guarda do Embaú and Laguna is known as "Brazilian Hawaii," and attracts surfers year round. Garopaba is the central pole of surf in the region, and beaches such as Ferrugem and Silveira are famous throughout Brazil. The same is true for the beaches of Rosa and Vila, in the neighboring municipality of Imbituba, and of Mar Grosso and Farol de Santa Marta, in Laguna.

History sets the tone in Laguna. Home to Anita Garibaldi and capital of the brief Juliana Republic in the 18th century, the city has more than 600 buildings declared landmarks. The museums and narrow streets of the historical district recall a past of war and heroism. Nearby, the Santa Marta lighthouse is an attraction in its own right. Built by Frenchmen in 1891 it has the longest visible reach of American lighthouses. Dominating the point of a cape from which it gets its name, the lighthouse is circled by white sand dunes and beautiful beaches.

To the south, the montains are farther from the coast and the beaches become long blades of windswept sand with few inhabitants. All the way to the border with Rio Grande do Sul state the region offers welcome natural surprises.