Welcome to the Brazilian Caribbean!
When you think of Maragogi, you immediately picture dreamy beaches lined with palm trees and crystal-clear waters. But this natural paradise, nestled between Recife and Maceió in the state of Alagoas, doesn’t reveal itself without a little adventure.
Getting there from Porto de Galinhas is an experience in itself: an hour to cover barely 50 km on a bumpy road full of potholes that make you zigzag constantly. It’s like Brazil’s way of saying, “Beauty here has to be earned.” But once you arrive, the magic takes over. Maragogi isn’t an overdeveloped beach destination; it’s a small fishing village, simple and authentic, with a main street running along the coast. There are a few seafood restaurants, bars with live music, and local artisans showing off their creations – nothing flashy, just a lively, welcoming vibe.
The Charm of Untouched Nature
Everything in Maragogi revolves around nature. You’ve probably heard of the famous Caminho de Moisés – that sandbar that appears at low tide – and the iconic natural pools, or galés. But heads up: the Caminho de Moisés is actually in Barra Grande, a little further north, and the main Maragogi pools are getting more and more crowded every year. So, if you’re after quieter spots, it’s worth exploring the surrounding areas. Places like São Bento or Ponta do Mangue offer equally stunning scenery with a more wild, almost secret atmosphere.
Actually, it was the whole region, more than just Maragogi itself, that really won us over. We stayed at Pousada Riia, a little gem in Barra Grande, and it was pure luck we found it. But what a find! Just steps from the beach and the famous Caminho de Moisés, the pousada made us feel so welcome that it felt like home. Sure, we missed the Caminho de Moisés because the tide was too high (honestly, it’s a bit overrated), but our hosts gave us tips that led us to far more charming and untouched spots.
Our Favorite Beaches
In just three days, we learned to live by the rhythm of the tides. The beaches change completely depending on the time of day, and it’s a sight you can’t get enough of. Our top favorites? Praia de Antunes, Praia de Xaréu, and Praia de Ponta do Mangue. These beaches have everything you’d hope for: peace, space, and crystal-clear water.
Croa de São Bento
A true hidden treasure. At low tide, a sandbar appears in the middle of the sea, surrounded by natural pools where you can snorkel and see vibrant marine life. This spot stays off the radar of mass tourism thanks to strict rules: only the jangadas (small local boats) built and run by São Bento locals can go there.
Ponta do Mangue
While Croa de São Bento charmed us, Ponta do Mangue completely blew us away. The pools here are deeper, the marine life even richer, and everything is done to protect this fragile ecosystem. For example, sunscreen is forbidden before swimming, so pack a UV-protective shirt if, like me, you’re not great with the sun. After a long snorkeling session, we ended up at a floating bar just off the beach, where you can sip on a caipirinha while lounging in a hammock above the water. Pure magic, made possible by low tide – and perfect for happy hour.
Tips and Fun Facts
For these two trips, we went with Dronegogi, a local agency we highly recommend. But watch out for tourist traps! Many cheap tours are run by people without proper licenses. Always check that the boat has an official yellow plate to avoid bad surprises.
And for food? We discovered Odoia, a simple but high-quality restaurant – so good we went back three nights in a row.
A Paradise Under Threat ?
Maragogi is still a little slice of paradise, but for how long? A new international airport is planned for 2026. While it’s great news for locals who depend on tourism, there’s also concern about the environmental impact. Preserving this idyllic spot while handling more visitors will be a huge challenge for the region.
For now, Maragogi remains a place where you can disconnect from the chaos of city life and reconnect with nature. Between its wild beaches, clear waters, and warm locals, this little corner of the Brazilian Caribbean has everything to charm you – as long as you take the time to explore it off the beaten path.
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