Maceió Natural Pools: Brazil's Most Beautiful Coral Reef Swimming
The natural pools formed by the offshore reefs at Maceió's beaches — accessible by jangada raft at low tide — contain crystal-clear warm water with tropical fish; among Brazil's most beautiful beach experiences
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Pajuçara natural pools
The natural pools of Pajuçara beach – formed by a reef 2 km offshore and accessible via Jangada at low tide – are Maceió's most famous attraction; the crystal water, colorful fish and warm temperatures make them exceptional
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Jangada Raft Tradition
The Jangadan - the traditional northeastern flat-bottomed raft - is still used to ferry visitors to the natural pools; the jangadeiro fishermen who sail these unstable crafts are skilled sailors who maintain a centuries-old tradition
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Coral reef ecosystem
The reef ecosystem that protects Maceió's coast creates the natural pools and the extraordinary marine biodiversity - the reef fish, sea turtles and starfish visible in the pools are sustained by the healthy reef
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Ponta Verde and Jatiúca Beaches
The northern beaches of Maceió - Ponta Verde and Jatiúca - are the exclusive residential coast; the boardwalk, restaurants and calm reef-protected waters make them the city's most popular urban beaches
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Praia do Francês
Praia do Francês — 30 km south of Maceió — has a sheltered half (inside the reef, calm and clear) and an exposed half (outside the reef, with surf); the combination in a single strand is found almost nowhere else
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Sunset from Maceió's beaches
The Maceió sunsets from the lagoon's west-facing shores and the eastern Atlantic shores create different light experiences — the city is uniquely positioned to offer both lake and ocean sunsets