The Farol de Santa Marta stands on a headland about 35 km south of Laguna, at the southern tip of a peninsula that separates the Atlantic from the Lagoa do Imaruí. At 67 metres above sea level, it is one of the tallest lighthouses in South America and commands a sweeping view south along an unbroken coastline. The beach below the lighthouse — Praia do Farol — is a long, wild stretch of Atlantic surf with no development in sight.
The peninsula is reachable by car, though the last stretch of road is unpaved and can be challenging in wet weather. The village of Farol de Santa Marta near the lighthouse is a small community of fishermen and weekenders, with a few restaurants and guesthouses. The combination of the lighthouse, the dunes, the beach, and the view south toward the end of the continent makes the trip worthwhile.