Rio Grande do Norte Dunes: Buggy Tours and Adventure

Buggy Tours in the Dunes of Rio Grande do Norte

The buggy tours in the Rio Grande do Norte Dunes are one of the state’s most thrilling and iconic tourist experiences.

These tours offer a combination of adventure, beautiful scenery and contact with nature, and are very popular with visitors wishing to explore the region’s white sand dunes and idyllic beaches.

mapa do Litoral do Rio Grande do Norte
Map of the Rio Grande do Norte coastline

Video – Buggy Tours in the Dunes of Rio Grande do Norte

Dunas e Praia de Genipabu no RN
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Discover the Dunes of Rio Grande do Norte: Buggy Tours

The Dunes of Rio Grande do Norte offer a variety of experiences, ranging from extreme adventures to more leisurely excursions, allowing you to choose the kind of excitement you wish to experience during your visit to the state.

  1. Dunes of Genipabu
  2. Pitangui Dunes
  3. Jacumã Dunes
  4. Dunas de Malembá
  5. Maracajaú Dunes
  6. Rosado Dunes
  7. The Dunes of Cabo de São Roque
  8. Redinha Dunes
  9. Galinhos Dunes

1. Dunas de Genipabu

The dunes of Rio Grande do Norte, particularly the Genipabu dunes, are the most famous and iconic in the state, renowned for their shifting formations and spectacular landscapes.

The buggy tours here are divided into two options: ‘thrill-seeking’, featuring extreme manoeuvres, and ‘leisurely’, which are more relaxed. You can also try esquibunda, aerobunda and even ride a dromedary.

Location: North Coast, about 25 km from Natal.

Passeio de dromedário pelas dunas de Genipabú
A dromedary ride through the Genipabú dunes

2. Pitangui Dunes

In Pitangui, on the other hand, the dunes are less dramatic, but still offer incredible views and a thrilling experience.

They are close to Pitangui Lagoon, where you can stop for a swim and relax. Leisure options include buggy rides, zip-lining and water sports on the lagoon.

Location: North Coast, about 35 km from Natal.

Lagoa de Pitangui no RN
Pitangui Lake in Rio Grande do Norte

3. Jacumã Dunes

Famous for their adventure activities, such as aerobunda (a zip line that ends in a lagoon) and esquibunda, the Jacumã dunes are ideal for thrill-seekers.

Buggy rides offer plenty of adrenaline, as well as activities such as aerobunda and esquibunda.

Location: North Coast, about 40 km from Natal.

Dunas de Jacumã no RN
Jacumã Dunes in Rio Grande do Norte
Lagoa de Jacumã no RN
Jacumã Lake in Rio Grande do Norte

4. Dunas de Malembá

In Malembá, the dunes are less well-known and quieter, offering a more secluded walk and a beautiful view of the Guaraíras Lagoon and the sea.

You can enjoy buggy rides, kitesurfing and relax on the nearby beaches.

Location: South Coast, between the beaches of Búzios and Tibau do Sul, about 50 km from Natal.

Duna e Praia de Malembá no RN
Dune at Praia de Malembá in Rio Grande do Norte

5. Maracajaú Dunes

Maracajaú is known for its parrachos, but it also has dunes that are explored on buggy tours.

These dunes offer a combination of adventure and the chance to explore the marine life on the nearby reefs, with options for diving and snorkelling.

Location: North Coast, about 55 km from Natal.

Dunas de Maracajaú no RN
Maracajaú Dunes, not in Rio Grande do Norte

6. Rosado Dunes

The Rosado Dunes form the second-largest dune complex in Brazil. Although they are further afield, the exotic setting and incredible scenery make the trip well worth it.

Depending on the time of day, the sunlight casts orange, red or yellow hues across the sand, creating breathtaking landscapes.

Thanks to the cinematic beauty of the location, the Rosado Dunes have served as the backdrop for various artistic productions, such as the film *Maria, Mother of the Son of God* and the soap opera *Flor do Caribe*.

Location: Between the municipalities of Porto do Mangue and Areia Branca, around 180 km from Natal.

Dunas do Rosado no RN
Rosado Dunes in Rio Grande do Norte

7. The Dunes of Cabo de São Roque

These dunes are smaller, but their strategic location – where Brazil is closest to Africa – offers a unique and peaceful experience.

Buggy rides and walks offer an immersive experience of nature.

Location: North Coast, near Barra de Maxaranguape, about 55 km from Natal.

Dunas de Cabo de São Roque
The Dunes of Cabo de São Roque

8. Redinha Dunes

Smaller and less steep, these dunes are ideal for a quieter, quicker walk close to the city.

You can go on buggy tours and stop to enjoy the view of where the Potengi River meets the sea.

Location: Near Redinha Beach, on the north coast of Natal.

Dunas da Redinha
Redinha Dunes

9. Galinhos Dunes

Galinhos offers a more secluded and authentic setting, with less-visited dunes and quiet beaches.

The tours include exploring local mangroves and salt flats, as well as a visit to the Galinhos Lighthouse, a vantage point offering panoramic views of the sea and the dunes.

Location: On the Galinhos Peninsula, about 160 km from Natal.

Dunas de Galinhos
Galinhos Dunes

Conclusion

The buggy tours in the Rio Grande do Norte Dunes are an unforgettable experience, offering a blend of adventure, natural beauty and thrilling activities.

From the famous dunes of Genipabu to the more remote ones at Galinhos, each destination has its own unique characteristics, offering different kinds of adventures and scenery to suit all tastes.

Willy Sievert

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 29/05/2018 · Updated on 09/08/2026

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