Fortaleza Beaches: Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes & Canoa Quebrada Day Trip

Summary

Morro Branco cliffs colors Praia das Fontes breeze Canoa Quebrada lunch

You’ll start your day tracing Morro Branco’s colored cliffs before dipping your toes in Praia das Fontes’ cool springs and ending with lunch at Canoa Quebrada. Expect salty breezes, local stories from your guide, and time to wander barefoot on three different beaches—all with pickup and comfy transport included.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the light hit Morro Branco’s cliffs—almost too bright, like someone turned up the contrast on the whole coastline. We’d barely stepped out of the van when our guide, Paulo, pointed out these streaks of colored sand running down the rock. I tried to scoop some up but it sifted through my fingers—so fine it felt more like powder than sand. There was this salty wind coming off the Atlantic that made me squint and laugh at myself for not bringing sunglasses (again). I heard a woman selling cocadas call out in Portuguese—her voice just kind of floated over all that space.

We didn’t linger too long before heading to Praia das Fontes. The drive isn’t far, maybe twenty minutes? It’s funny how each beach has its own mood. Praia das Fontes felt quieter somehow, less showy than Morro Branco but with these little freshwater springs trickling right onto the sand. Paulo told us locals come here to cool their feet after work—I tried it too and honestly, it was colder than I expected. There was this moment where everything went still except for the sound of water hitting shells.

Canoa Quebrada was our last stop and by then we were ready for lunch—fish grilled with lime, nothing fancy but exactly what you want after salt air and sun. The town itself is painted in faded reds and blues; there’s a crescent moon carved into one of the cliffs that everyone seems to photograph (I did too). We had a couple hours to just wander or nap on the sand. I kept thinking about those colored sands back at Morro Branco—how they looked almost unreal in that morning light, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit three main beaches near Fortaleza

• Travel to Morro Branco
• Walk and explore colored cliffs
• Return to vehicle
• Brief visit to Praia das Fontes
• Travel to Canoa Quebrada
• Have lunch at Canoa Quebrada
• Enjoy afternoon at Canoa Quebrada

Top questions

How far is Morro Branco from Fortaleza?

Morro Branco is about 85 km from Fortaleza.

Is lunch included on this beach tour?

No, lunch is not included but you have time to buy lunch at Canoa Quebrada.

Are these beaches suitable for kids or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during this tour.

Is the vehicle air-conditioned?

Yes, transport is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is this day trip wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

How long do we spend at each beach?

The itinerary allows time at each beach but exact durations may vary; Canoa Quebrada is where you spend most of the afternoon.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Fortaleza and guidance from an accredited local tour guide as you visit Morro Branco’s cliffs, stroll Praia das Fontes’ shoreline, and relax at Canoa Quebrada—with plenty of time for lunch before heading back.