I finally checked in at Bonito, the long-awaited ‘City of Waters’ in Brazil, a renowned haven for snorkeling! Let me briefly share the travel guide.
【Transportation Options】
There is an airport (one of the smallest I’ve seen), and you can fly directly from São Paulo (SP). Upon arrival, I recommend renting a car since there is no Uber here, and the various attractions are quite far apart. Driving is the most convenient option. You can pre-book a car directly at the airport through Localiza.
【Snorkeling Spots】
Visited three in total:
Rio da Prata: Difficulty four stars, mainly due to the long duration, almost 4 hours. Initially, there are many fish, but they become fewer later on. The overall water quality is clear. This tour includes lunch, which is quite good, and you can relax on a hammock and watch parrots afterward.
Aquário Natural: Difficulty three stars, shorter duration, about 2 hours. The underwater is sandy, so some areas may have slightly murky water. The underwater photographer here has good skills and better pixel quality, resulting in impressive photos. If it’s crowded, I recommend buying the photos.
Gruta do Mimoso: The blue cave is the most relaxing, with a difficulty of two stars. Although it is deep, wearing a life jacket poses no problem. It takes about 1 hour to complete (just one blue cave). The instructor is very patient and helps with taking pictures. Suitable for beginners to get a feel for snorkeling.
【Restaurants】
I recommend two:
Casa Do João: R. Cel. Nelson Felício dos Santos, 664 – Centro, Bonito – MS, 79290-000. Had steak and stewed fish; the taste is good, and the restaurant has live band performances. Average cost is less than 100 per person.
Juanita Restaurante: A restaurant recommended by locals; it’s crowded, so it’s best to make a reservation in advance. Ordered seafood rice and pork chop, large portions enough for three people. The drinks are also good! The specialty here is crocodile ��� meat. We tried a small portion; it tastes like chicken, with a firmer texture than regular meat, and no strange taste.
This time, I only had a weekend, so it felt a bit rushed. There seems to be many more places to explore. If you have a car, you can choose any hotel. If not, stay in the central village of Bonito for convenience.
【Safety Rating】
I find this place very safe; I felt comfortable walking on the streets with my phone. However, if you’re traveling alone, it’s always good to stay vigilant.