If entering Brasil from the South, try Rio Grande first. We skipped it and steamed directly from Uruguay to Florianopolis, but “Floripa” is not set up to clear foreign yachts: no customs office in town.

We cleared immigration in the Beira Mar district, at the office of Policia Federal, then steamed back south to Imbatuba (50 kms) to clear customs in a commercial port that is not set up for private yachts.

A new 2009 law requests that all yachts in transit not flying a Mercosul flag (i.e. one from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay or Uruguay) be registered with customs and file a “Simplified Temporary Importation.” This entails a “despachante” and at least 24 hours of waiting for documentation. Forget the weekends! Once you get customs clearance (anywhere from $100 to $300 later) you can present to the Capitanaria dos Portos (under the bridge) in Floripa and ask for your entry document. The Capitanaria is only open from Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 AM

Our advice: don’t skip Rio Grande!

FLORIANOPOLIS Yacht Club

CRUISING NOTE – Veleros da Ilha – Florianopolis – Pos: 27:36:471 S / 48:33:085 W

– Courtesy: two days – R$ 28 from the 3rd to the 7th day, double after that.

– Well-kept docks, guarded facility, large end tie, accessible to large yachts.

– Drinking water; limited fuel dock.

– Restaurant, limited chandlery.

– 15-minute walk from downtown stores, fish and produce market.

Thanks to Marie Dufour for this information.

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