Papa-Gente natural pool snorkel

Walk north along the sand from the Projeto Tamar sea turtle centre in Praia do Forte village, past Pedra do Chapéu and Praia do Lorde, and you reach Papa-Gente. Despite a name that means roughly "people-eater", the water inside the reef is usually calm, and at low tide the coral holds back natural pools where fish and other sea life are easy to watch. Check the tide table the day before and go near the lowest tide.

Bring your own mask and snorkel, since there is not always gear for rent, and rubber shoes or sandals for the rocks. There may be no kiosks or vendors, so take water, a towel and shade. Road access is blocked by gated condominiums, so walk the beach or take a tuk-tuk or bike taxi from the village. The open-sea beach in front of the Iberostar resorts next door has strong waves and is no place to swim with children.