Port information & tips for Itajai
Itajaí is the vibrant gateway to the Brazilian coast in the state of Santa Catarina and impresses as a significant cruise port with a blend of maritime tradition and modern joie de vivre. The charming city on the Rio Itajaí-Açu welcomes guests with a relaxed atmosphere, lush greenery, and proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in southern Brazil. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the imposing Igreja Matriz do Santíssimo Sacramento and the historic Mercado Público, which delights with regional delicacies and local handicrafts. In addition, the picturesque waterfront promenade Avenida Beira Rio invites you to stroll. The ships dock at the Pier Turístico Guilherme Asseburg, from where the city center and its sights are easily accessible on foot thanks to the central location.
The cruise port of Itajaí in Brazil is easily accessible thanks to its convenient location near the city center and good connections to the nearest airport, Navegantes. The modern terminal offers passengers a pleasant embarkation and is an ideal starting point for exploring the charming city and its surroundings.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically involves a long-haul flight to Brazil. The closest airport to the Itajaí cruise port is Navegantes–Ministro Victor Konder International Airport (NVT), located in Navegantes only about 3.3 kilometers away. Direct flights from Europe to NVT are rare, but connecting flights via major Brazilian hubs such as São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro can be booked without any problems.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Navegantes Airport (NVT), you can reach the Itajaí cruise port comfortably in various ways. A taxi ride takes about 21 to 22 minutes and costs around R$ 129-130. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing services like Uber, which can cover the approximately 16-kilometer route in an average of 36 minutes for about R$ 54. Public bus connections are also available, providing direct access to the terminal or the city center.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region, we strongly recommend staying overnight in a pre-cruise hotel in Itajaí or the surrounding area to start your cruise relaxed and to cushion against possible flight delays. Numerous hotels can be found in Itajaí, including the Hilton Garden Inn Praia Brava, which are ideal for a restful start to your vacation. Arriving early also allows you to gather your first impressions of this fascinating region.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The cruise port of Itajaí in Brazil is easily accessible thanks to its convenient location near the city center and good connections to the nearest airport, Navegantes. The modern terminal offers passengers a pleasant embarkation and is an ideal starting point for exploring the charming city and its surroundings.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically involves a long-haul flight to Brazil. The closest airport to the Itajaí cruise port is Navegantes–Ministro Victor Konder International Airport (NVT), located in Navegantes only about 3.3 kilometers away. Direct flights from Europe to NVT are rare, but connecting flights via major Brazilian hubs such as São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro can be booked without any problems.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Navegantes Airport (NVT), you can reach the Itajaí cruise port comfortably in various ways. A taxi ride takes about 21 to 22 minutes and costs around R$ 129-130. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing services like Uber, which can cover the approximately 16-kilometer route in an average of 36 minutes for about R$ 54. Public bus connections are also available, providing direct access to the terminal or the city center.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region, we strongly recommend staying overnight in a pre-cruise hotel in Itajaí or the surrounding area to start your cruise relaxed and to cushion against possible flight delays. Numerous hotels can be found in Itajaí, including the Hilton Garden Inn Praia Brava, which are ideal for a restful start to your vacation. Arriving early also allows you to gather your first impressions of this fascinating region.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The cruise port of Itajaí is located directly on the Itajaí-Açu River and, thanks to its central location, offers an ideal starting point for exploring the city and the region. From the terminal, you can reach the most important sights quickly and easily.
On Foot
The city center of Itajaí is easily accessible on foot. In about 15 to 20 minutes, you can walk from the terminal to destinations such as the historic Mercado Público or the impressive Igreja Matriz church. The stroll along the waterfront promenade also offers beautiful views of the harbor basin and the incoming ships.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
You will find an official taxi stand directly at the exit of the cruise terminal for a safe onward journey. In addition to traditional taxis, the use of Uber is very common in Itajaí and provides an affordable ride to the nearby beaches or to Balneário Camboriú, located about 15 kilometers away, which is known for its skyline and the Unipraias cable car.
Ferry (Ferry Boat)
A practical local means of transport is the Balsa, the car ferry that regularly connects Itajaí with the opposite city of Navegantes. The landing stage is located near the center and allows for a quick river crossing for pedestrians and vehicles. From on board, you can simultaneously enjoy a great perspective of the imposing ships in the port.
To make the most of your stay in Itajaí, we recommend a combination of the cultural treasures in the historic city center and the spectacular coastal panoramas of the surrounding area.
Historic Center & Mercado Público
The charming heart of the city impresses with the neogothic architecture of the Matriz do Santíssimo Sacramento church and the lively public market, which, thanks to its regional specialties and handmade souvenirs, is perfect for an authentic stroll right by the harbor.
Balneário Camboriú & Unipraia Park
Only a short drive away, the impressive skyline of neighboring Balneário Camboriú awaits you, where the famous Unipraia Park offers a fascinating view over the Atlantic thanks to its modern cable cars, while also providing access to hidden, paradisiacal stretches of beach.
Praia Brava
This extensive beach is an ideal destination for sun worshippers thanks to its untouched nature and crystal-clear water; additionally, the stylish beach lounges along the promenade invite you to a relaxed afternoon in an exclusive atmosphere.
Praia de Laranjeiras & Unipraia Park
The gorgeous Praia de Laranjeiras beach is perfectly accessible via Unipraia Park in neighboring Balneário Camboriú, which you can easily reach from the port in Itajaí in about thirty minutes by taxi. The journey on the modern cable car also offers you spectacular panoramic views over the entire coastline and takes you directly to the protected bay, known for its calm, emerald-green water and fine sand. On-site, you benefit from an excellent infrastructure with numerous restaurants and comfortable beach kiosks serving freshly caught fish and cool drinks directly to your sun lounger. Ideally, start your excursion in the morning to enjoy the cable car ride without waiting times, and plan a buffer of about two hours for the return trip to the port so that you are back on board your ship relaxed and on time.
The return journey to the Guilherme Asseburg cruise terminal is very relaxed and safe thanks to the short distances and good infrastructure.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services
Taxis are available at central locations such as the Mercado Público or in front of Hotel Sandri and will take you quickly to the port entrance. You can also use the Uber or 99 apps, which are widely used in Itajaí and allow for a direct return trip to the ship at fair prices.
Ferries and Shuttle Buses
The passenger ferry between Navegantes and Itajaí operates at a high frequency and offers an easy way back to the vicinity of the pier. Guests who have taken excursions to Balneário Camboriú use the shuttle buses provided by the cruise lines, which stop conveniently at the terminal entrance.
On Foot
The port is directly accessible from the city center and the prominent Igreja Matriz church in about a 15-minute walk. The route leads through the lively neighborhood and is very easy to manage thanks to good signage and the ship being within line of sight.
