The natural pools in northeastern Brazil are true tropical paradises, attracting tourists from all over the world.

When considering places to visit in the region, don’t forget to explore the stunning Natural Pools in the Northeast.

These formations are the result of natural phenomena and offer breathtaking scenery, full of biodiversity and scenic beauty.

Formation of natural pools

Natural pools are formed by coral reefs and sand barriers that create crystal-clear lagoons at low tide.

These sites are common in several regions of the Northeast, especially in Bahia, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte and Pernambuco.

The warm, calm waters make them ideal for swimming and water sports.

Main Destinations

1. Maragogi (Alagoas)

Maragogi is known as the “Brazilian Caribbean”.

Its natural pools, called “galés”, have transparent waters and a rich marine fauna, including colourful fish and corals. It is ideal for snorkelling and diving.

2. Porto de Galinhas (Pernambuco)

Another famous destination is Porto de Galinhas, where natural pools form between coral reefs. The region is famous for its warm waters and diversity of marine life, making it one of the most visited places in Brazil.

3. Praia do Forte (Bahia)

At Praia do Forte, the natural pools are surrounded by preserved Atlantic forest and offer a unique spectacle. Visitors can see sea turtles and various species of fish.

4. Pipa (Rio Grande do Norte)

Pipa is a beach known not only for its natural beauty, but also for its natural pools formed at low tide. The area is ideal for surfers and nature lovers.

Ecological importance

Natural pools play a crucial role in the conservation of marine biodiversity.

They provide habitats for a wide range of fish and invertebrate species and protect coral reefs, which are vital to the health of the oceans.

The conservation of these ecosystems is essential to ensure the continuity of marine life and the sustainability of tourism.

Tips for enjoying the natural pools of the North East

Dicas para aproveitar as piscinas naturais do Nordeste

The pools tend to form at low tide, so it’s worth checking the ideal time of year before embarking on a trip to paradise.

12 Most Beautiful Natural Pools in Northeast Brazil

1. Natural pools of Seixas – Paraíba

Seixas Beach, in Paraíba, borders Penha Beach to the south and Cabo Branco Beach to the north, and is mainly frequented by people from the southern districts of the city.

Piscinas Naturais do Seixas na Paraíba

Near the Cabo Branco lighthouse, on Seixas Beach, you’ll find the ideal place for diving and water sports: the Seixas Natural Pools, where you’ll find hundreds of species of fish, algae, reptiles (sea turtles), molluscs, crustaceans and other marine organisms.

A paradise of biodiversity and unique moments.

Called the Brazilian Caribbean, the pools are a 10-minute sail from Seixas Beach and are full of biodiversity. Hundreds of species of fish, algae, reptiles and many other marine life can be seen in the corals.

2. Maracajaú beach in RN

One of the most popular day-trip destinations from Natal, Maracajaú owes part of its fame to the parrachos (group of reefs) that form 7 kilometres off the coast.

Located 60 kilometres from Natal, Maracajaú boasts crystal clear waters.

Maracajú no RN

Trips to the famous “parranchos”, or natural pools, depend on the tides.

Maracajaú is located in the municipality of Maxaranguape, 55 kilometres from Natal, on the north coast of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Boats, motorboats and catamarans are always ready to take holidaymakers there at the right time of tide.

Diving with the small fish makes for great photos.

However, unlike Maragogi and Porto de Galinhas, Maracajaú’s natural pools have an average depth of 1.5 metres, which means they’re not recommended for children or those who can’t swim.

This would be a problem if the beach didn’t have other attributes. Framed by dunes and coconut palms, the strip of sand offers shade and restaurants tucked away among the trees.

Manoa Water Park has pools and waterslides for the whole family.

3. Morro de Fora – Fernando de Noronha (PE)

One of the most popular natural pools for visitors to Fernando de Noronha is located in the part of Morro de Fora washed by Praia do Meio and Praia da Conceição.

Morro de Fora em Fernando de Noronha

Morro can be reached by a path. On a calm day it is possible to walk from one beach to the other. You don’t need a guide or an appointment, but be careful and keep an eye on the tide table.

4. Blue Lagoon – Jericoacoara (CE)

Considered the postcard of Jericoacoara, about 305 kilometres from Fortaleza, the setting is perfect for those who want to relax in hammocks in the natural pools of the place.

Lagoa Azul em Jericoacoara

Full of natural beauty all around, the Blue Lagoon attracts attention for its exuberant beauty and crystal clear waters. Raft trips are available for those wishing to snorkel in the deepest parts of the lagoon.

5. Carneiros – Tamandaré, PE

The natural pools of Carneiros, like most in the northeast, depend on low tide. Located just a few metres from the beach, they are filled with colourful little fish that entertain tourists.

Praia dos Carneiros em Tamandaré PE

At low tide, the reefs of Praia dos Carneiros form beautiful natural pools. Those who wish to enjoy the pools can walk along the beach to the reefs. It’s one of the most popular destinations for those staying in Recife, Porto de Galinhas and the surrounding area.

6. Lençóis Maranhenses – MA

You can’t help but be enchanted by the exuberant beauty of the Lençóis Maranhenses.

The “wet desert” of the northeast consists of hundreds of kilometres of dunes and sand filled with huge natural pools.

Lençóis Maranhenses

The landscape, with over 155,000 hectares of pure beauty, has 70 kilometres of deserted beaches.

The famous contours are formed by the natural green or blue pools created by the rain. A sure destination for thousands of tourists from June to September.

7. Praia do Forte – Mata de São João, BA

Over 12 kilometres of pure beauty, Praia do Forte brings together beaches and natural pools. The largest of the natural pools is Papa Gente, where you can snorkel and see the local marine life up close. These beauties form at low tide.

Praia do Forte na Bahia

50km long, Papa Gente has reefs that drop down to 7m in the open sea. Among the corals you can see colourful fish, turtles, crabs and much more.

8. Porto de Galinhas – PE

A reference point for natural beauty, Porto de Galinhas is a popular destination for tourists travelling to Recife. Considered the most famous natural pools in the region, the journey to the reefs takes about 15 minutes.

Porto de Galinhas em Pernambuco

The natural pools are located on Porto de Galinhas beach.

The beach is protected by coral reefs, which is why the sea is so calm, transparent and warm. Going to Porto de Galinhas and not visiting the natural pools in the Northeast is like going to Rome and not throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain.

9. Picãozinho – PB

Just 1.5 kilometres from Tambaú beach, the natural pools of Picãozinho appear at low tide, with coral formations.

One of the most popular boat trips in the region is snorkelling among the fish. You can do this all year round, but the waters are clearer from December to March.

Picãozinho na Paraíba

Access to Picãozinho is by catamaran, which takes about 20 minutes to reach the natural pools. The whole trip takes about three hours.

10. Bay of Pigs – Fernando de Noronha, PE

Filled with natural attractions of unique beauty, Baía dos Porcos is one of the most sought-after spots in the region.

The beach is just 100 metres long, with its strip of sand surrounded by volcanic rock, in the shadow of Morro dos Dois Irmãos.

Baía dos Porcos em Fernando de Noronha

At low tide, natural pools of green and blue water form. The marine life parades in front of the visitor’s eyes. Access to the beach is via Cacimba do Padre. The Bay of Pigs is one of the best places for snorkelling.

11. Galés de Maragogi – Maragogi – AL

About 6 kilometres out to sea, by speedboat or regional boat, you will reach the Galés de Maragogi, a natural aquarium with clear waters that form a large pool in the open sea, full of corals and small sandbanks.

Galés de Maragogi – Maragogi

Every day, dozens of boats take visitors to Maragogi’s famous natural pools, which only appear at low tide.

As a result, the timetable for the excursions varies according to this phenomenon.

In the course of a day, the tide usually changes more than once. Getting a photo in the crystal clear waters teeming with colourful fish is the goal of any traveller who chooses the state of Alagoas as a destination.

The marine life in the region is very rich and varied, and those who try scuba diving have a good chance of seeing different species such as octopus and rays.

The more fortunate may see the odd turtle, but these species are not common in the region.

12. Taipu de Fora – Maraú Peninsula – BA

The main attraction of the Maraú Peninsula is the natural swimming pools of Taipu de Fora.

The combination of crystal clear waters, coral reefs and a rich variety of marine life in a landscape of coconut palms is guaranteed to be fun and a treat for the eyes!

Taipu de Fora - Península de Maraú

What not everyone knows is that the formation of natural pools depends on the tides.

There are only natural pools at low tide, which varies from day to day. At low tide, Praia de Taipu de Fora is a beach with waves, including some great surfing spots!

Low tide occurs twice a day (every 12 hours) and is directly influenced by the moon.

On average, low tide occurs about 40 minutes later than the previous day.

The tide table, available with a quick search on the internet, will give you the daily time of low tide. If you can’t find the tide table for Barra Grande, you can use the one for Ilhéus.

The most beautiful natural pools of the Northeast – Tips

Tourist guide to the Northeast

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