Maragogi Attractions: Snorkeling in Natural Pools

Maragogi: A paradise on the north coast of Alagoas

Maragogi is a municipality on the north coast of Alagoas, located between Recife and Maceió, 130 kilometres from both cities.

Famous for its natural pools, known as galés, located six kilometres from the coast, Maragogi attracts tourists in search of natural beauty.

Maragogi – AL
Maragogi in Alagoas

Maragogi natural pools

The trips to the Galés are easy and are made by catamaran and take about 30 minutes.

Piscinas Naturais ou Galés de Maragogi
Natural pools or Galés de Maragogi
Piscinas naturais de Maragogi em Alagoas
Natural pools of Maragogi, Alagoas

In these pools, visitors can dive with a mask and snorkel and explore the rich marine life, which includes different species of fish and corals. For the more adventurous, there is also the option of scuba diving.

mapa da Costa dos Corais em Alagoas
Map of the Coral Coast of Alagoas

Videos of Maragogi in Alagoas

Maragogi - Reportagem
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Characteristics of the natural pools

  • Size: The pools are large, allowing many visitors to enjoy them at the same time.
  • Clear waters: The transparency of the water provides excellent visibility for observing marine life.
  • Biodiversity: The pools are rich in fish and coral species.
  • Coral reefs: They add beauty and protection to the pools.
  • Access: The distance from the coast is easily travelled by boat.
  • Low Tide: The beauty of the pools is best appreciated at low tide.
  • Infrastructure: Maragogi has a good tourist infrastructure and convenient services.
  • Scenic beauty: Coconut palms, white sand and blue skies create a breathtaking setting.

Maragogi’s beaches

The main beaches of the town are

  • Praia de Maragogi: The most famous, with a complete infrastructure of hotels, bars and restaurants.
  • Antunes Beach: Known for its calm waters and natural pools.
  • Barra Grande Beach: Offers good facilities with restaurants and boat trips.
  • Peroba Beach: 12 kilometres from the centre, famous for its blue waters.
  • Xaréu Beach: Also called Bruna Beach, it is known for its tranquillity.
  • Ponta do Mangue Beach: It has a rustic atmosphere and natural pools.
  • Burgalhau Beach: Less crowded and closer to the centre of Maragogi.
Praia de Maragogi em Alagoas
Maragogi Beach in Alagoas
Praia de Antunes – AL
Antunes Beach – AL
Praia de Peroba em Maragogi AL
Peroba beach in Maragogi AL
Praia do Xaréu em Maragogi AL
Xaréu beach in Maragogi AL
Praia da Ponta do Mangue em Maragogi AL
Ponta do Mangue beach in Maragogi AL
Praia de Burgalhau em Maragogi AL
Burgalhau beach in Maragogi AL

Access to the galés

The galés are not present on all beaches, but are mainly accessible from Maragogi Beach and Antunes Beach.

Galés ou Piscinas Naturais de Maragogi AL
Galés or natural pools of Maragogi AL

These characteristics make Maragogi a popular destination for those in search of sun, sea and lush nature.

Mapa das piscinas naturais de Maragogi
Map of Maragogi’s natural pools

The town is also an excellent base for exploring other paradisiacal destinations in the region, such as São Miguel dos Milagres and Japaratinga.

Culture and Gastronomy

Maragogi takes its name from the river that borders it; before 1892 it was called Gamela e Isabel.

The village is a symbol of resistance to the Dutch occupation and is famous for the hospitality of its inhabitants.

Among the main attractions are trips to the galleys and a visit to the village of São Bento, where visitors can sample the gum cake, a local delicacy made from manioc flour.

Best time to visit Maragogi

The best time to visit Maragogi is between September and March, when the weather conditions are most favourable:

  • September to March: Period of low rainfall with many sunny days.
  • October to January: The sea tends to be clearer, ideal for walking and diving. October is particularly attractive for the Lobster Festival, which offers delicious local dishes.
  • Low tide: Plan your visit to coincide with the full and new moon phases, when the natural pools are most accessible and beautiful.

Avoid the months of April to July, when the rains are more frequent and the sea water may be less transparent.

mapa turístico de Alagoas
Tourist map of Alagoas

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