If there’s one image that sums up Balneário Camboriú, it’s this: a stretch of sand nearly seven kilometers long, framed by high-rises rising straight from the boardwalk, with Morro da Aguada on one side and Barra Sul on the other. Central Beach is the heart of the city, and since 2023 it has been undergoing a redevelopment that’s changing the way people walk, bike, and enjoy the waterfront.
The New Waterfront of Balneário Camboriú is the project that will transform more than 600,000 m² of Central Beach, between Pontal Norte and Barra Sul, into a linear park with a pedestrian-only boardwalk, a separate bike lane, and new leisure areas. Construction began in 2023, and full completion is expected by 2030.
What the New Waterfront is and why it exists
The “Parque da Orla” project was born from an architecture competition and aims to reorganize the entire Avenida Atlântica, permanently separating the flow of pedestrians, cyclists, and cars. Before the works, the boardwalk shared cramped space with a bike lane and vehicle traffic right next to the sand. The proposal widens the walkway, creates an exclusive micromobility corridor for bikes and scooters, and brings back to Central Beach the native restinga vegetation that had disappeared after decades of urban occupation.
Alongside the urban redesign, the city has been running a second front of works since 2024: an underground seawall of about 6 km along nearly the entire stretch of sand, part of a R$ 31 million investment (February 2026) to curb erosion and the advance of the sea. That’s why, in some sections, it’s still common to see construction barriers and temporary detours — the aesthetic redevelopment and the seawall project are happening in parallel.
What’s already done in 2026
The first redeveloped section, delivered in October 2024, covers part of the central area and already shows what the rest of the waterfront will look like: a wide, pedestrian-only boardwalk, a separate bike lane, new lighting, and social areas with benches and landscaping. Throughout 2026, the works advanced to new sections, with the planting of hundreds of trees and the installation of underground cabling, which replaces overhead wires and leaves the landscape cleaner.
It’s worth setting aside some extra time for your walk: since the project moves forward in stages, it’s normal to find one stretch finished and the next still under construction, with clearly marked detours.
Things to do at Central Beach
Beyond enjoying the beach itself — calmer waters, ideal for swimming, without much rough surf — the waterfront is home to a good chunk of the city’s attractions just steps from the sand. From the boardwalk, you can see the Cristo Luz, take the cable car up to Parque Unipraias, or tackle the Ferris wheel right at Barra Sul, with views of the sea and the skyline.
If you want to experience that view from above without depending on the weather, you can book your FG Ferris wheel ticket in advance, which helps you skip the line during peak season:
At sunset, the boardwalk becomes the go-to spot for those who want to walk, run, or simply sit at one of the kiosks to watch the sun go down behind the buildings — in winter, between May and August 2026, the sun sets early, around 6 p.m.
Getting there and getting around
Central Beach is literally the center of the city: anyone staying at a hotel on Avenida Atlântica or the nearby streets can walk there. From other neighborhoods, the city buses that run along Avenida Brasil and the Marginal road serve the area well, and ride-hailing apps work normally in the region. Technical details on the progress of the works, such as the schedule for sections and detours, are available on the city’s official channel on the beach recovery project. For those coming from out of town, the complete Balneário Camboriú guide rounds up the options for getting to the city from other parts of Santa Catarina.
Once you’re on the waterfront, the redeveloped boardwalk itself is the best way to get around between the attractions — Cristo Luz, Unipraias, the Ferris wheel, and the kiosks are all within walking distance of each other.
Practical tips
During peak season (December to February), the boardwalk gets crowded from late afternoon onward — if you prefer more space to walk, go in the morning. Since part of the waterfront is still under construction, wear comfortable sneakers instead of thin flip-flops: some transition stretches have uneven pavement or temporary detours over compacted sand.
Bring sunscreen and water: the new sections of the waterfront still have little shade, since the trees planted in 2026 will take a few years to grow.
Frequently asked questions
When will the New Waterfront of Balneário Camboriú be finished?
The official estimate is 2030, but the project is moving forward in stages — the first section was already delivered in October 2024, and new phases continue to open throughout 2026.
Is Central Beach good for swimming?
Yes. It’s an urban beach with calm waters and no strong currents, which makes it one of the most popular in Balneário Camboriú for families.
Can you walk the entire waterfront these days?
Partially. Sections already delivered have a wide boardwalk and a separate bike lane; others are still under construction, with detours marked along the sand.
What is there to do near Central Beach besides the beach?
The Cristo Luz, the Parque Unipraias cable car, and the Ferris wheel at Barra Sul are just a few minutes’ walk from the boardwalk, along with bars and restaurants on Avenida Atlântica.
Conclusion
Central Beach in Balneário Camboriú is in the middle of a transformation worth keeping an eye on: part of it already shows what the finished waterfront will look like, and part is still a construction site. Either way, it’s the natural starting point for any itinerary in the city. To plan the rest of your trip, check out the complete Balneário Camboriú guide here on the site.