Ceará: Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes & Canoa Quebrada Day Tour

Summary

Three iconic beaches, wild cliffs and fresh water caves in Ceará

You’ll travel from Fortaleza to three of Ceará’s most famous beaches: wander Morro Branco’s colorful cliffs, cool off at Praia das Fontes’ freshwater springs and caves, then soak up Canoa Quebrada’s laid-back energy. Expect local stories, real food, and plenty of time to just breathe in the Atlantic air — it lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Hands sticky from sunscreen, I fumbled with my camera as we rolled into Morro Branco. Our guide, Paulo, was already waving us over to the edge of those red cliffs — the kind you see in Brazilian novelas, only somehow more alive in person. The wind whipped up bits of sand and you could smell salt and something earthy at the same time. Paulo picked up a handful of colored sand and explained how locals use it for crafts; he let it run through his fingers like he’d done it a hundred times before. I tried to remember the word for “labyrinth” in Portuguese but just ended up laughing instead.

Next was Praia das Fontes. The name made sense as soon as I saw water trickling straight out of the cliffs — little streams catching sunlight, almost too bright to look at. There’s this cave called Gruta da Mãe D’Água that felt cooler than outside, almost damp on your skin. Some folks went for the buggy ride (Paulo said it’s worth it if you want to see more), but I just stood there, watching kids splash under what they call the Fountain of Youth. Someone joked we’d all come back ten years younger. Maybe not me — but I did feel lighter somehow.

The last stop was Canoa Quebrada. It’s got this faded fishing village vibe mixed with bursts of color from beach shacks and kites overhead. Broadway do Nordeste is just a street but feels like its own universe: music spilling out of doorways, grilled fish smells everywhere. We had time to wander or swim — I ended up talking to a woman selling tapioca who laughed when I tried her accent (not my best moment). The drive back was quiet except for someone humming softly behind me; I watched the sky go pink over Ceará’s coast and wished we’d had one more hour out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit three beaches on Ceará's east coast

• Travel to Morro Branco beach
• Explore red rocks and labyrinth cliffs
• See local crafts made with sand
• Stop at Praia das Fontes
• Observe natural freshwater springs
• Visit Gruta da Mãe D’Água cave
• Optional buggy tour available
• Arrive at Canoa Quebrada beach
• Relax at beach shack with facilities
• Enjoy swimming and local cuisine
• Return to Fortaleza around 7 pm

Top questions

How far is Morro Branco from Fortaleza?

Morro Branco is about 85 km from Fortaleza.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included, but you’ll have free time at Canoa Quebrada to try local cuisine at beach shacks.

What beaches are visited on this tour?

The tour visits Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes, and Canoa Quebrada.

Are buggy rides included?

No, buggy rides at Praia das Fontes are optional and not included in the main price.

What time does the tour return to Fortaleza?

The expected return time to Fortaleza is around 7:00 pm.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; suitable for all fitness levels.

Does the tour include pickup?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup is included from your accommodation in Fortaleza.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Fortaleza and guidance throughout by a local expert who knows every turn of these beaches — plus plenty of free time at each stop so you can wander or swim as much (or as little) as you want before heading back in the evening.