Águas Belas & Rendeiras: Beach Day, Cane Mill & Buggy Ride

Summary

Salty breezes, tide pools and Fortaleza’s lacework traditions

You’ll feel ocean air on your skin at Águas Belas beach, dip into gentle tide pools, watch local women weave lace at Rendeiras Center, and sip fresh cane juice at Engenho de Cana. With easy transport from Fortaleza and friendly guides along the way, it’s more about soaking up simple pleasures than rushing anywhere fast.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Fortaleza in a van just after sunrise — windows fogged up from the AC, everyone still a bit quiet. The road hugged the coast for a while, flashes of turquoise sea between palm trees. Our guide, Ana, pointed out little fishing villages as we passed. I kept catching whiffs of salt and sunscreen from someone’s bag (not mine this time). When we finally stepped onto Águas Belas beach, the sand was cool underfoot and there was this hush — just waves and some kids chasing a stray crab near the tide pools.

I didn’t expect to be so taken by those natural pools. They form when the tide pulls back, leaving behind these clear pockets of water with tiny fish darting around your ankles. Ana laughed when I hesitated to step in — turns out it’s warmer than you’d think. Some folks took off on an optional buggy ride down the shore (looked bumpy but fun), but I just wandered along, toes in the water, watching locals set up umbrellas with practiced flicks of their wrists.

Later we drove over to the Rendeiras Center downtown. It’s not fancy — just a few open rooms where women sit weaving lace at low tables. The click-clack of bobbins was oddly soothing. One woman showed me how she ties off her patterns; my fingers fumbled it completely and she grinned like she’d seen it a hundred times before. There was sweet cane juice waiting at Engenho de Cana nearby — cold and grassy tasting, almost like spring in a glass. We lingered there longer than planned because nobody wanted to get back on the bus yet.

On the way back to Fortaleza, I watched sunlight flicker through bus windows and thought about those quiet moments by the sea. It’s not flashy here — just small details that stick with you long after you rinse off the sand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Águas Belas and local attractions

• Depart from Fortaleza shore
• Explore Águas Belas beach
• Visit Rendeiras Center
• Tour Engenho de Cana
• Optional buggy ride

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Águas Belas tour?

No hotel pickup is included; departures are from the shore in Fortaleza only.

What days does this day trip operate?

The tour runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and activities are wheelchair accessible.

How do we get to Águas Belas beach from Fortaleza?

You travel by air-conditioned van, microbus or bus depending on group size.

Are infants allowed on this day trip?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Can I book an optional buggy ride on this tour?

Yes, buggy rides along Águas Belas beach are available as an option.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from Fortaleza’s shore area (not airport), visits to Águas Belas beach with its natural tide pools, time at Rendeiras Center to see local lacework artisans in action, and a stop at Engenho de Cana for fresh cane juice before heading back home together.