Paripueira natural pools boat trip

Paripueira's shore is so flat that at low tide you can walk a long way out with the sea only at your knees, and further out the reefs hold about 25 natural pools. Catamarans reach them from the beach in 15 to 20 minutes.

The boats go out only around low tide, and because the town is close to Maceió, even early-morning low tides get used. You can stay at the pools for up to two and a half hours: leave your things on the big catamaran and come back on the smaller boat that shuttles to the beach every half hour. Rent a snorkel to see the fish along the reef wall. Walking on the coral and feeding the fish are not allowed. Most people crowd against the reef, so swim carefully round to the pool on the far side for clearer water and far fewer people. The town also protects manatees in a municipal marine park.