Santo Aleixo Island: A tourist paradise in Pernambuco

Published on August 8, 2020 · Updated on May 24, 2025

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Santo Aleixo Island, located in the municipality of Sirinhaém, Pernambuco, is a paradisiacal tourist destination on the northeastern coast of Brazil.

The island is strategically located between the famous and popular beaches of Port de Galinhas in Ipojuca and Praia dos Carneiros in Tamandaré.

Geographical features

The island of Santo Aleixo is slightly horseshoe shaped.

To the west is a sandy beach, while to the south is a cove protected by rocky cliffs.

Ilha de Santo Aleixo no município de Sirinhaém — Santo Aleixo Island in the parish of Sirinhaém

This is where a large natural pool of calm, warm, transparent greenish water forms, known as Praia da Ferradura.

The island covers an area of 31 hectares and is made up of volcanic rock, originally covered by scrubby coastal vegetation.

It is important to note that, incredible as it may seem, Santo Aleixo Island is a private property belonging to the municipality of Sirinhaém.

Visiting

Visitors have the option of reaching the island independently, as many do, or opting for a day trip from one of the neighbouring towns.

Access to the island is by fast ferry, with the crossing taking around 10 minutes. Tourists can also follow an ecological trail to explore the area and enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools.

On the island’s beach, there are facilities for visitors to enjoy lunch, snacks and drinks.

mapa da lha de Santo Aleixo PE — Map of Santo Aleixo Island PE

Video about Santo Aleixo Island

Ilha de Santo Aleixo em Sirinhaém

What to do on Santo Aleixo Island

Beaches and natural pools: The island has beaches and natural pools that appear at low tide.
Diving and Snorkelling: The crystal clear waters and rich marine life make the island an excellent place for diving and snorkelling. You can see coral, colourful fish and even sea turtles.
Boat Trips: The boat trip to the island is an attraction in itself. Most tourists leave from Barra de Sirinhaém beach, where there are several boat options that offer the trip with stops at natural pools and other tourist attractions in the region.

Como chegar na llha de Santo Aleixo em Pernambuco — How to get to Santo Aleixo Island, Pernambuco

Useful tips:

Access: Access to the island is only by boat, usually from Barra de Sirinhaém, and the journey time is approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the island is during the dry season, between September and February, when the weather is more stable and the waters are calmer.
Infrastructure: The island does not have a very developed tourist infrastructure, so it’s advisable to take basic items such as water, sunscreen and snacks.

The island of Santo Aleixo is a natural refuge, ideal for those looking for a day of relaxation in breathtaking scenery.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →