Beach buggy tour

"Ponta a ponta" means end to end: the buggy runs the whole Porto de Galinhas coast from Gamboa, at the mouth of the Ipojuca river in the north, to the mouth of the Maracaípe river in the south. Don't expect dunes. The route mixes sand tracks kept for buggies, short shaded trails along the mangrove towards Muro Alto, and ordinary town roads, traffic included.

The usual stops are Muro Alto, Pontal do Cupe, the Coqueiral de Maracaípe (rows of coconut palms fitted with hammocks, swings and flower arches for photos, plus a photographer who climbs a palm to shoot from the top) and Pontal de Maracaípe, where the river meets the sea. Tours come in two, four, six and eight hour versions; the longer ones simply stop for longer, and can fit in the jangada ride to the natural pools (paid separately) or sunset at the Pontal. A buggy takes up to four people and the price is per buggy. Drivers pick you up at your hotel, morning or early afternoon, and anyone who wants a swim at a natural pool needs to check the tide table first, because the pools only show at low water. Buggies must be licensed by the Ipojuca council, and you can ask to see the inspection sticker.