Lagoa Mundaú: Maceió's Magical Lagoon Between Sea and City
The Lagoa Mundaú — a brackish coastal lagoon separated from the Atlantic by a narrow strip of land — is Maceió's defining geographic feature; its stilted houses, boat trips, and extraordinary seafood define the city's identity
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Palafita Stilted Village
The palafita community of stilt houses built over Lagoa Mundaú is one of Brazil's most distinctive urban landscapes — families who have lived on the water for generations, accessible only by boat
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Sunset Boat trip on the lagoon
The sunset boat trip on Lagoa Mundaú – the lagoon turning orange, the city skyline, the fishing boats returning – is Maceió's signature experience; the light on the water is extraordinary
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Seafood restaurants on the lagoon
The floating restaurants and stylish lagoon eateries serve fresh seafood from the waters below — sururu clams, shrimp and freshwater fish cooked in coconut milk are lagoon cuisine
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Mangrove Ecosystem
The mangrove forests around the lagoon are a nursery for the marine life that fishermen catch — boat trips into the mangroves reveal the ecosystem that supports Maceió's fishing community
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Lagoon to sea connection
The narrow ridge between the lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean is crossed by the canal that connects the two bodies of water — the meeting of salt water and fresh water creates a productive fishery that feeds the city
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Morning fishing activity
At dawn, the fishing activity on the lagoon is at its peak - the traps are checked, the boats return with their catch and the market activity at the landing sites around the lagoon edge