Reino Encantado: Nobres' Spring-Fed Snorkel Site

Reino Encantado is a spring-fed snorkeling site on the Rio Salobra in Bom Jardim, Nobres, reached by a 300 m trail and a guided float of roughly 1,000 m. The water stays clear enough to see fish because it wells up from limestone and dolomite springs rather than running off the surrounding Cerrado. Set aside about 1.5 hours for the visit, and expect to pay around R$75 for the float; fees change, so confirm current rates with the operator.

Getting There and Orientation

Where Reino Encantado sits in Mato Grosso

The site is on the MT-241 highway in the Vila Bom Jardim district, about 60 km northeast of Nobres town and 150 km north of Cuiabá, the state capital. Most visitors use Cuiabá's Marechal Rondon International Airport as the gateway; the drive takes roughly 2 hours 5 minutes by car. There is no public transport to the site — the nearest bus stops are in Nobres, and from there you need a taxi or a pre-arranged transfer. The road is paved for most of the way, with dirt sections in the final kilometers.

How to arrive from Cuiabá

A regular transfer from the airport departs at 1:20 PM and covers the 150 km to Bom Jardim. If you drive yourself, leave Cuiabá before mid-morning to arrive before the afternoon heat peaks. The route crosses open Cerrado, and roadside services are sparse after the first hour — fill up in Nobres. Several agencies in Cuiabá and Nobres sell day tours that include transport, a guide, and the float; this is the simplest option if you don't want to negotiate the dirt roads yourself.

The Float and the Springs

What you actually do on the tour

The visit starts with a 300 m walk to the main spring of the Rio Salobra, where water bubbles up from the riverbed. You then float downstream with a mask and snorkel for about 1,000 m, past dozens of ressurgências — underwater upwellings that push cool, clear water into the river. The current is gentle, and the water is shallow enough to stand in most places. Guides lead the group and carry safety equipment.

Fish, visibility, and what you'll see

Visibility is best in the dry months, when the water takes on a blue-green tint from dissolved limestone and magnesium. You'll see several species of fish, including small tetras and larger pacu, and the occasional stingray resting on the sandy bottom. The spring area itself feels like a natural jacuzzi — you can hover over a vent and watch sand dance in the upwelling. I found the first 200 m the most productive for fish; the guides tend to slow down there, so stay close.

Rules that protect the water

Sunscreen is banned during the float — the springs are the source of the Rio Salobra, and the operator keeps the water free of chemicals. You also shouldn't touch the riverbed. Wear a rash guard or long-sleeve swim shirt instead of lotion. Groups are kept small, and life jackets are provided for weaker swimmers.

Practical Planning

When to go

The dry season from May to September gives the clearest water and the most reliable weather. August is peak month, and the site can get busy on weekends — aim for a weekday morning if you want the spring to yourself. The rainy season from December to March turns the river turbid, and some tours are suspended after heavy rain. Birdwatchers should note that the dry season also coincides with good birding in the surrounding gallery forest.

Tickets and timing

A float ticket costs around R$75; a visit without entering the water is about R$25. Tours run from morning to late afternoon, and the last entry is usually around 4:30 PM. Book through your pousada or an agency in Nobres — walk-ins are possible but not guaranteed during high season. The whole visit, including the trail and the float, takes about 1.5 hours.

What to bring

Bring a swimsuit, a quick-dry towel, and footwear that can get wet for the trail. Mosquito repellent is useful on the trail but not in the water. A dry bag for your phone is worth packing. There's no locker at the spring itself, so leave valuables at your accommodation.

Staying Nearby

Pousada Reino Encantado

The pousada at the site has simple rooms with air conditioning, a restaurant, and free breakfast. It's the most convenient base — you can walk to the spring in a few minutes. Rooms are clean and large, though some guests note the beds are firm and the A/C can be noisy. Rates start around R$250 per night for a double with breakfast; check current prices directly.

Other bases in Nobres

Nobres town has more options, but it's 54 km from the springs, which means a 50-minute drive each way. Bom Jardim village has a handful of guesthouses and is closer to other attractions like Aquário Encantado and Lagoa das Araras. If you're combining Reino Encantado with other sites, staying in Bom Jardim saves time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Reino Encantado tour take?

About 1.5 hours total: a 300 m trail to the spring, 30 to 40 minutes of floating, and the return. The float itself covers roughly 1,000 m.

Can I visit without snorkeling?

Yes. A non-swimming visit costs about R$25 and lets you see the spring from the bank. You won't get the fish-eye view, but the upwellings are visible from the surface.

Is Reino Encantado suitable for children?

Children who are comfortable in water can do the float with a life jacket, which the operator provides. The current is gentle, and guides stay with the group. Very young children may find the mask and snorkel awkward.

What's the water temperature?

The springs stay around 22–24°C year-round, which feels cool at first but is comfortable once you're in. A rash guard helps on cloudy days.