São José da Coroa Grande: natural pools and beaches

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São José da Coroa Grande (PE): natural pools, beaches and things to do

São José da Coroa Grande is the last town on the southern coast of Pernambuco, on the border with Alagoas, about 120 km from Recife. Because it is quiet and has no large resorts, it is famous for the natural pools that appear between the reefs at low tide. In addition, it has a calm sea, coconut groves and good seafood-based cuisine.

Quick summary – São José da Coroa Grande (PE)

Where it is: southern coast of Pernambuco, about 120 km from Recife and 17 km from Maragogi (AL).
Population: 18,825 inhabitants (2022 IBGE Census).
Highlights: natural pools, Praia do Centro, Praia do Gravatá, Várzea do Una and Museu do Una.
Boat trip: around R$ 100 per person, lasting 1h30 or more.
Best time to go: from September to March, in the dry season.
Tip: go at low tide, preferably during a full or new moon.

São José da Coroa Grande on the southern coast of Pernambuco

Video about São José da Coroa Grande in Pernambuco

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Where it is and what the town is like

The town lies on the so-called Costa Dourada (Golden Coast), the stretch between southern Pernambuco and northern Alagoas. Moreover, it is part of the APA Costa dos Corais (Coral Coast Environmental Protection Area), a federal protected area that safeguards one of the largest reef barriers in Brazil.

According to the IBGE, the municipality has 18,825 inhabitants and covers about 69 km². Incidentally, the name comes from the coroas (sandbanks), the sand bars that emerge at low tide between the beach and the reefs.

Natural pools of São José da Coroa Grande

First of all, at low tide the reefs form pools of clear, warm water along almost 3 km of the seafront. So the boats and jangadas (traditional rafts) leave from Praia do Centro and, within a few minutes, reach the pools, about 500 metres from the sand.

Then you can swim, go snorkelling and see colourful fish up close. Also, since the reefs hold back the waves, the sea stays calm, which is great for children, kayaking and sailing.

Price: the trip costs on average R$ 100 per person and lasts 1h30 or more.
Tide: check the tide table, because the pools only appear at low tide.
Caution: do not step on the corals or feed the fish, so as to preserve the ecosystem.

Beaches of São José da Coroa Grande

Praia do Centro (da Coroa Grande): this is the main beach, with a calm, warm sea, beach huts, guesthouses and the departure point for trips to the natural pools.
Praia do Gravatá: about 6 km from the centre, it is more deserted and peaceful. Because it is near the mouth of a river, however, the water is darker.
Praia de Várzea do Una: in the north of the municipality, it has light sand, coconut palms and the meeting with the Rio Una. Therefore, it is good for boat trips and fishing.

Várzea do Una and the Museu do Una

Further north, the village of Várzea do Una sits beside the Rio Una and its mangroves. Thus, you can take boat or canoe trips along the river, watch birds and, at weekends, enjoy some forró. In addition, the beach huts go all out with recipes featuring shrimp, siri, octopus, crab and aratu (mangrove crab).

The Museu do Una is also located there, by the way; it was created in 2000 to preserve the culture and environment of the region. For example, the collection brings together fossils, shells, nautical charts, fishing gear, fish skeletons and local handicrafts. Among the pieces, an ocean sunfish stands out. In general, the museum opens on Fridays and Saturdays, from 10 am to 4 pm, but check before you go.

Churches and historical heritage

Igreja de São José

Igreja São José in São José da Coroa Grande PE

Facing the sea, on the central beach, the single-towered parish church dates from 1888. Since then, it has been the centre of the town’s religious life. Right next to it, Praça Constantino Gomes brings together bars, restaurants and small handicraft shops.

Igreja de São Benedito, in Abreu do Una

Igreja de São Benedito in São José da Coroa Grande

In the district of Abreu do Una, the old church of São Benedito was once a sugar mill chapel. According to local tradition, it may date back to the period of the Dutch. However, it was demolished in 1961, and a new chapel, dedicated to São João Batista, was built further up. In the past, incidentally, the festa de Reis (Three Kings’ Day festival) was the most popular celebration in the area.

Engenho Morim

About 6 km from the PE-060, Engenho Morim preserves the casa-grande (the master’s house), the stable, workers’ houses and other buildings with their original lines. In addition, in front of the casa-grande stand the ruins of the old chapel. Since it is private property, however, arrange your visit in advance.

Food, festivals and nearby trips

Food: first and foremost, try the peixada, the moqueca, the shrimp and the dishes with siri and aratu at the beach huts by the sea.
Festa de São José: in March, the town celebrates its patron saint with processions, masses and popular festivities.
June festivals: then in June, there are square dances, bonfires and typical food.
Reserva Biológica de Saltinho: in the region, it protects a stretch of Atlantic Forest; however, visits depend on authorisation from ICMBio.
Surroundings: to the south lies Maragogi, in Alagoas; to the north, Porto de Galinhas.

How to get there and practical tips

From Recife: it is about 120 km via the BR-101 and the PE-060, the southern coast highway.
From Maceió: the airport is about 146 km away, so it is also a good gateway.
Best time to go: generally, from September to March, when it rains less.
Accommodation: in general, there are guesthouses and some holiday homes, especially near Praia do Centro.

Frequently asked questions about São José da Coroa Grande

Where is São José da Coroa Grande?

São José da Coroa Grande is on the southern coast of Pernambuco, on the border with Alagoas, about 120 km from Recife.

In addition, it is just 17 km from Maragogi.

How do you visit the natural pools?

The boats and jangadas leave from Praia do Centro at low tide, and the trip costs on average R$ 100 per person.

For this reason, check the tide table before you go.

Is the town good for children?

Yes. Thanks to the reefs, the sea is calm and the natural pools are shallow.

Even so, always keep an eye on the little ones in the water.

What is the best time to visit?

From September to March, in the dry season.

In general, the days of a full or new moon have the lowest tides.

What is there to do besides the beach?

It is worth visiting Várzea do Una, the Museu do Una, the Igreja de São José and Engenho Morim.

You can also take a day trip to Maragogi.

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 26/09/2013 · Updated on 21/10/2026