Mataraca (PB): Beaches, Barra de Camaratuba and Things to Do

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Mataraca is the last municipality on the northern coast of Paraíba, on the border with Rio Grande do Norte. It is famous for Barra de Camaratuba, where the Camaratuba River meets the sea, and for the mangroves of the Parque Ecológico do Caranguejo-Uçá. In addition, the town has the Igreja Matriz do Senhor Bom Jesus and is close to Lagoa Encantada (the “Enchanted Lagoon”), in neighboring Baía da Traição.

Quick summary – Mataraca (PB)

Where it is: northern coast of Paraíba, on the border with Rio Grande do Norte.
Distances: about 118 km from João Pessoa and 123 km from Natal.
Population: 8,244 inhabitants (IBGE 2022 Census), in an area of about 182 km².
Main beach: Barra de Camaratuba, about 11 km from the town center.
Highlights: the meeting of the river and the sea, the Trilha do Caranguejo-Uçá, the Guaju River and surfing.
Name: of Tupi origin, it means “ant hill”.

Meeting of the river and the sea at Barra de Camaratuba, in Mataraca, PB

Where Is Mataraca

The municipality borders Baía da Traição and Rio Tinto, in Paraíba, and Canguaretama, in Rio Grande do Norte. Thus, it lies about 23 km from Rio Tinto, the largest nearby town. From João Pessoa, it is about 118 km away; from Natal, in turn, about 123 km.

That is why the town is a good stop for anyone traveling along the coast between the two states. To explore the region, also see our guide to the coast of Paraíba.

Video about Mataraca

Mataraca na Paraíba Vista de Cima05:05

Mataraca vista de cima - incrível orla de Barra de Camaratuba, praia da Pavuna e do Guaju

Mataraca PB - orla de Barra de Camaratuba, Praia da Pavuna e do Guaju09:22

Barra de Camaratuba - Pontos Turísticos04:53

Praia Barra de Camaratuba em Mataraca PB

Praia Barra de Camaratuba04:25

Trilha do Caranguejo Uçá em Barra do Camaratuba PB

Trilha do Caranguejo Uçá em Mataraca PB04:29

Beaches and Tours in Mataraca

Barra de Camaratuba

About 11 km from the town center, Barra de Camaratuba is one of the most beautiful beaches on the northern coast of Paraíba. There, you will also find cozy guesthouses, stretches of sand between the river and the sea, and a landscape that is still largely unspoiled. In addition, it offers trips to lagoons, mangrove trails and visits to Indigenous communities.

Meeting of the Waters and Boca da Barra

Without a doubt, the meeting of the Camaratuba River and the sea is one of the attractions that most delight tourists. At low tide, moreover, you can cross the river mouth on foot and explore the beaches of the Potiguara Indigenous land on the other side.

However, Boca da Barra is the most popular beach in Barra de Camaratuba. At low tide, it becomes a great bathing spot, with lifeguards who guide anyone who wants to swim in the river. There are also kiosks with a bar and restaurant.

Boca da Barra at Barra de Camaratuba, Mataraca, PB

Surfing and Kitesurfing

The beach is good for surfing almost all year round, but the best season is from January to March. For kitesurfing, on the other hand, the best period runs from March to October, when the southeast wind gets stronger, according to local riders.

Waves on the beach at Barra de Camaratuba in Mataraca, PB

Parque Ecológico do Caranguejo-Uçá

Also in Barra de Camaratuba, the Parque Ecológico do Caranguejo-Uçá protects about 178 hectares of mangrove forest. Created by Ivan Burity, president of the ONG SOS Caranguejo-Uçá, the project also teaches people how to preserve this species, the caranguejo-uçá (mangrove crab, Ucides cordatus), which is threatened by overharvesting.

Trilha do Caranguejo-Uçá

The Trilha do Caranguejo-Uçá is, above all, one of the wildest outings in Paraíba. It starts in the shallow waters of the mangrove and then follows the river current to the mouth of the Camaratuba, right on the beach. Therefore, wear light clothing and shoes that can get wet.

Trips on the Camaratuba River

Besides the trail, the vast mangrove area allows boat and kayak trips on the Camaratuba River. This way, you can observe birds, crabs and the mangrove vegetation up close.

Guaju River

On the Guaju River, which marks the border between Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte, visitors can ride a zip line. In addition, the riverbanks are good for swimming and for enjoying the scenery.

Lagoa Encantada, in Neighboring Baía da Traição

Near Mataraca, Lagoa Encantada has almost transparent waters, great for swimming, surrounded by mangabeiras (mangaba trees) and unspoiled nature. To get there, you first follow the trail along the Cardosas cliffs, an easy walk of about one hour. In fact, the lagoon lies in the municipality of Baía da Traição.

Igreja Matriz do Senhor Bom Jesus

In the town center, the Paróquia do Senhor Bom Jesus was established on April 18, 1994, by the then Archbishop of Paraíba, Dom José Maria Pires. Its territory covers the entire municipality and, in addition, parts of Mamanguape and Rio Tinto.

Paróquia do Senhor Bom Jesus in Mataraca, PB

According to tradition, the first chapel was built with money raised by a missionary nun, on the same spot as the current main church. Devotion to Bom Jesus, meanwhile, is said to have begun with a miracle attributed to the saint by a well-known local resident, Mr. Francisco.

History of Mataraca

From the beginning, the history of the municipality was linked to Mamanguape, of which it was once part. According to IBGE, the village emerged in the mid-19th century on the old Sítio Mataraca, which produced sugarcane and cotton. The name, incidentally, comes from Tupi and means “ant hill”.

Later, in 1908, Mataraca became a district of Mamanguape. Then, state law No. 3,047 of June 17, 1963, created the municipality, which was officially installed on October 21, 1964. That is why its political emancipation is celebrated every year on June 17.

Popular Festivals

Festa do Padroeiro Bom Jesus: nine nights of celebrations, from December 23 to 31, which bring thousands of worshippers to the streets.
Festa de São Sebastião: takes place in January.
Political emancipation: celebrated on June 17.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mataraca

Where is Mataraca?

It is on the northern coast of Paraíba, on the border with Rio Grande do Norte.

In other words, it is about 118 km from João Pessoa and 123 km from Natal.

What is the main beach in Mataraca?

In general, it is Barra de Camaratuba, where the Camaratuba River meets the sea.

In addition, Boca da Barra is the most popular stretch for swimming.

What is there to do in Mataraca?

You can enjoy the beach, hike the Trilha do Caranguejo-Uçá, take a boat trip on the river and ride the zip line over the Guaju River.

It is also worth visiting Lagoa Encantada, in neighboring Baía da Traição.

How many inhabitants does Mataraca have?

In short, according to the IBGE 2022 Census, it has 8,244 inhabitants.

As a result, the beaches tend to be quiet.

When is the best time to surf?

For surfing, it is generally from January to March.

For kitesurfing, however, it is from March to October.

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 →

Published on 17/01/2023 · Updated on 24/10/2026