Maracajaú natural pools boat trip

The parrachos are a coral reef about 7 km off Maracajaú beach, around 60 km north of Natal, covering some 13 km of sea inside the state's coral reef protection area. At low tide the coral nearly breaks the surface and the water between the heads becomes shallow pools for snorkelling. Trips cross by speedboat (faster) or catamaran to a floating platform moored over the reef, which has snorkel gear, drinks and snacks; you get about an hour in the water. Scuba is possible too, including a first-time try-dive with an instructor.

The best tides fall around the full and new moon, and a cloudy or stormy day takes much of the colour out. Back on shore, Maracajaú has beach clubs, a small water park with pools and a restaurant, and quad-bike rides around the area, so day trips from Natal usually combine the reef with lunch and a pool afternoon.