Overview
Navegantes sits on the coast of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil, right at the mouth of the Itajaí-Açu river and just minutes from the high-rise beach city of Balneário Camboriú. It's a compact, easy-going base with a real Brazilian riverside feel, and it happens to have its own international airport, making it a genuinely practical entry point for UK travellers heading to this stretch of coastline rather than routing everyone through Rio or São Paulo.
Best time to fly to Navegantes
Unlike much of Brazil, Santa Catarina has four distinct seasons, so timing matters. December to March is Brazilian summer, when Balneário Camboriú's beaches are at their liveliest and warmest, but it's also the busiest and priciest period, especially around New Year and Carnival. June to August is cooler and quieter, with mild days rather than beach weather, while the shoulder months of April–May and September–November tend to offer a good balance of pleasant temperatures, thinner crowds and better value fares. Use the When to book chart above to see how prices actually move across the year before settling on dates.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Navegantes, so journeys involve one change of plane. British Airways operates a direct service from London Heathrow to São Paulo Guarulhos (around 11–12 hours), from where domestic carriers LATAM, GOL and Azul run frequent short hops to Navegantes (NVT), typically under 90 minutes. Some itineraries connect via Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal or via other European or Brazilian hubs before the final domestic leg. All told, door-to-door travel time from the UK is usually in the 15–20 hour range including the connection, so it's worth comparing routings side by side on the price charts on this page.
Things to do in Navegantes
Navegantes and its neighbouring towns pack in a surprising amount for such a small stretch of coast.
- Balneário Camboriú beaches: A short transfer away, this is southern Brazil's answer to Copacabana, with a lively beachfront promenade and skyline of towers.
- Parque Unipraias: A cable-car park linking Balneário Camboriú's beaches with zip lines, trails and coastal viewpoints.
- Beto Carrero World: Latin America's largest theme park, in nearby Penha, with rides, a zoo and live shows for all ages.
- Cristo Luz: An illuminated hilltop Christ statue overlooking Balneário Camboriú, popular at sunset.
- Navegantes riverfront: A relaxed promenade along the Itajaí-Açu river, good for local seafood and watching the fishing boats come in.
At Ministro Victor Konder International Airport (NVT)
NVT is a small, easy-to-navigate airport right on the edge of Navegantes town, so getting into the centre takes only around five minutes by taxi or rideshare. Balneário Camboriú is roughly 20–30 minutes away by road, and Itajaí and Penha are similarly close. Taxis and Uber operate from the terminal, car hire desks are available for those wanting to explore the wider Santa Catarina coast, and pre-booked airport transfers are a popular option for beach hotels.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Navegantes
- Book your São Paulo or connecting leg 2–4 months ahead where possible; the transatlantic segment tends to hold its price better than the domestic leg, so watch both.
- Flying midweek, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, and avoiding the December–March peak, usually brings noticeably lower fares.
- Stay flexible on travel dates and check the price charts on this page, since shifting by just a few days either side can make a real difference.
- Compare the full journey across British Airways, TAP Air Portugal and domestic connections on LATAM, GOL or Azul rather than booking the first option you see.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders currently do not need a visa for tourist stays in Brazil of up to 90 days, though it's sensible to check the latest entry requirements before you travel as rules can change. The currency is the Brazilian real (BRL); cards are widely accepted in Balneário Camboriú and Navegantes, but it's worth carrying some cash for smaller vendors. No vaccinations are mandatory for travellers arriving direct from the UK, though it's worth checking current NHS travel health advice for Brazil ahead of your trip.
