The South Coast of Sergipe: A Travel Guide and Things to Do

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In this travel guide, you’ll discover what to do on the southern coast of Sergipe: unspoilt beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, boat trips and the famous crossing to Mangue Seco. The region begins at the mouth of the River Vaza-Barris, near Aracaju, and stretches as far as the River Real, on the border with Bahia.

The southern coast of Sergipe runs through the municipalities of Itaporanga d’Ajuda, Estância, Santa Luzia do Itanhy and Indiaroba. Many of its beaches remain almost untouched, far from the crowds. Important: the coastline of Sergipe is approximately 163 to 167 km long in total, depending on the source, and is divided into three sections.

The northern coastline stretches from the São Francisco River to Barra dos Coqueiros and Pirambu. The central section is that of Aracaju. The southern coast begins at Vaza-Barris and continues to the Rio Real.

How the Sergipe Coastline is Divided

North coast: Atalaia Nova, Praia da Costa and Jatobá (Barra dos Coqueiros), Pirambu and Ponta dos Mangues. See the Pirambu guide and the Santa Luzia Island guide.
Central coast (Aracaju): Atalaia, Aruana, Robalo, Náufragos, Refúgio and Mosqueiro.
Southern coast: Caueira and Coqueirinho (Itaporanga d’Ajuda), Abaís, Lagoa dos Tambaquis and Praia do Saco (Estância), Terra Caída and Pontal (Indiaroba).

Videos about the southern coast of Sergipe

Praia do Saco em Sergipe01:51

Praias de Caueira e Coquerinho04:38

Praia do Mosqueiro em Aracaju SE04:30

Praia do Refúgio em Aracaju SE03:00

Litoral Sul de Sergipe04:53

Praia do Coqueirinho - Falésias Multicoloridas12:24

Litoral Sul de Sergipe03:03

Litoral Sul de Sergipe

Mangue Seco e Praia do Saco03:18

How to Get to the Southern Coast of Sergipe

To reach the south coast from Aracaju, take Avenida Melício Machado. Depending on your destination, you can also take the BR-101 or the SE-438. Along the way, it is common to come across vendors selling coconut water, boiled peanuts and local handicrafts. The route takes you to the nearest beaches, such as Caueira (around 30 km away), and continues on to Praia do Saco (around 68 to 70 km away), which is close to the border with Bahia.

Sunset Waterfront and the Vaza-Barris River

The Orla Pôr do Sol, on the banks of the Vaza-Barris River in the Mosqueiro neighbourhood of Aracaju, is usually the first stop. There you’ll find bars, restaurants, a wooden jetty overlooking the mangroves, and the landing stage from which catamarans and speedboats set off every day.

The river is flanked by mangrove swamps. As the boat approaches the mouth of the river, sandbanks, natural pools and small beaches with warm waters come into view, ideal for relaxing away from the hustle and bustle. The most popular trips take you to Croa do Goré and Ilha dos Namorados.

Things to Do on the Beaches of Aracaju’s Central Coast

Before heading south, it’s well worth visiting the urban beaches of Aracaju, which lie at the junction between the north and south coasts. The Aracaju guide34 provides all the details.

Mosqueiro Beach

Refúgio Beach

Robalo Beach

Praia do Robalo em Aracaju SE — Robalo Beach in Aracaju, Sergipe

Atalaia Beach and Promenade

Atalaia is the busiest beach in Aracaju, with a developed seafront, bars and restaurants.

Praia de Atalaia — Atalaia Beach in Aracaju

Orla de Atalaia em Aracaju — Atalaia seafront in Aracaju

Top Beaches and Attractions on the Southern Coast of Sergipe

1. Caueira Beach and Coqueirinho Beach

Distance: about 30 km from Aracaju.
Location: the municipality of Itaporanga d’Ajuda.
How to get there: via the BR-101 or the SE-438, starting from Avenida Melício Machado.
Features: a long beach with small dunes and low-lying vegetation; the sea has waves and there is a good range of accommodation, restaurants and kiosks. The water temperature ranges from 25 °C to 28 °C.
Activities: buggy rides through the dunes at low tide, kitesurfing and relaxing on Praia do Coqueirinho, surrounded by coconut palms. Try the aratu moqueca.

Praia da Caueira em Itaporanga d'Ajuda SE — Caueira Beach in Itaporanga d’Ajuda, Sergipe

2. Abaís Beach

Distance: around 60 km from Aracaju (sources vary depending on the route).
Location: Santa Cruz dos Abaís, in the municipality of Estância.
Attractions: medium-sized waves, popular with surfers and kitesurfers. It is just a few kilometres from Praia do Saco.
Activities: visitors can choose between the rough sea and the calm of the nearby Blue Lagoon.

Praia do Abaís em Estância SE — Abaís Beach in Estância, Sergipe

3. Saco Beach

Praia do Saco SE - Drone01:51

Praia do Saco em Sergipe04:13

Mangue Seco e Praia do Saco03:18

Lagoa dos Tambaquis em Sergipe03:25

PRAIA DO SACO - Imagens aéreas dessa praia top em Sergipe

PRAIA DO SACO - Imagens aéreas03:07

Distance: around 68 km from Aracaju, approximately an hour’s drive.
Location: the municipality of Estância, near the border with Bahia.
Features: soft white sand, calm, crystal-clear waters, and rock formations.
Things to do: the beach has a busier section and a quieter one, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. It is also the main departure point for speedboats heading to Mangue Seco. Read the complete guide to Praia do Saco.

4. Tambaquis Lagoon (Blue Lagoon)

Lagoa dos Tambaquis em Sergipe

Distance: about 60 km from Aracaju, near Praia do Abaís.
Location: the municipality of Estância.
Attractions: calm, crystal-clear waters, where you can swim amongst the fish and feed the tambaquis. There are kiosks and restaurants in the water, which are usually open from 8 am to 5 pm.
Activities: swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and day trips from Aracaju.

5. Mangue Seco (in Bahia, on the southern coast)

Location: the municipality of Jandaíra, in Bahia, on the other side of the Rio Real. There is no access by land from Sergipe.
How to get there: by speedboat, departing from Praia do Saco, on a journey lasting around 20 minutes. Departures are mainly in the morning, with the return journey in the early afternoon.
Features: a village with sandy streets, golden dunes and the setting for the TV soap opera Tieta, based on the work of Jorge Amado.
Activities: a buggy ride through the dunes and a view of where the river meets the sea. See the Mangue Seco guide.

Mangue Seco em Sergipe — Mangue Seco in Sergipe

6. Terra Caída, Pontal and Ilha da Sogra

Further south, in the municipality of Indiaroba, the village of Terra Caída lies on the banks of the Piauí and Cajazeiras rivers, offering a rustic atmosphere and excellent local cuisine. Pontal, on the banks of the River Real, opposite the Mangue Seco dunes, is another departure point for the crossing. Boats also leave from there for Ilha da Sogra, with its clear, warm waters.

Tips for Visiting the Southern Coast of Sergipe

Best Season

The period between September and March, which is drier and sunnier, is the best time to visit. The speedboats and tours are dependent on the tide, so please check the timetables in advance.

How Much Does It Cost?

In 2026, package tours from Aracaju to Praia do Saco and Mangue Seco cost around R$ 180 per person, and a buggy ride on the dunes costs around R$ 250 per buggy (up to 4 people). Prices vary by travel agency and change frequently.

How to Put Together the Script

Leave Aracaju early, between 7 am and 8 am, to make the most of the day. If you have more time, you can combine the south coast with other destinations on the 7-day itinerary through Sergipe or visit the historic town of São Cristóvão.

Practical Information and Useful Links

Aracaju: a comprehensive guide to the capital, covering accommodation and other beaches.
Boat trip: Croa do Goré Island, departing from Orla Pôr do Sol.
Praia do Saco: a comprehensive guide to Praia do Saco and the crossing to Mangue Seco.
Northern coast: Pirambu and Santa Luzia Island.
General guide: Sergipe Tourist Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the southern coast of Sergipe?

It is the stretch of Sergipe’s coastline that runs from the mouth of the River Vaza-Barris, near Aracaju, to the River Real, on the border with Bahia. It passes through the municipalities of Itaporanga d’Ajuda, Estância, Santa Luzia do Itanhy and Indiaroba.

What are the main beaches on the south coast of Sergipe?

The main ones are Caueira and Coqueirinho (Itaporanga d’Ajuda), Abaís and Praia do Saco (Estância). Lagoa dos Tambaquis is also one of the most popular attractions.

How do you get to the south coast of Sergipe from Aracaju?

By car, via Avenida Melício Machado, the BR-101 or the SE-438, depending on which beach you’re heading for. Caueira is about 30 km away, and Praia do Saco is about 68 to 70 km away.

Is Mangue Seco in Sergipe?

No. Mangue Seco is in Jandaíra, in Bahia, on the other side of the River Real. It can be reached from Sergipe by motorboat, setting off from Praia do Saco, on a crossing that takes about 20 minutes.

When is the best time to visit the south coast of Sergipe?

Between September and March, when the weather is drier and sunnier. Boat trips are subject to the tide.

What is there to do at Lagoa dos Tambaquis?

Swim in calm, crystal-clear waters, feed the tambaqui fish, go stand-up paddleboarding and have lunch at the kiosks out on the water. It’s near Abaís, about 60 km from Aracaju.

Is it possible to explore the south coast on a day trip from Aracaju?

Yes. If you set off early, you can visit Praia do Saco and Lagoa dos Tambaquis and make the crossing to Mangue Seco all in the same day, either on organised tours or by car.

What is the difference between the north and south coasts of Sergipe?

The northern coastline, with beaches such as Pirambu, features dunes, mangroves and the mouth of the São Francisco River. The southern coastline, starting at Vaza-Barris, has wide, open beaches and lagoons, and lies close to the border with Bahia.

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 23/10/2015 · Updated on 06/10/2026