Lagoa Bonita tour from Barreirinhas: Dunes and lagoons at sunset

Climb the dune at Lagoa Bonita and watch the sunset turn the sand gold.

An afternoon tour from Barreirinhas drives 50 minutes by Toyota 4x4 into Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, then climbs a wooden staircase up the dune to reach Lagoa Bonita and four other lagoons formed between the dunes. You swim in the lagoons, photograph the landscape, and return as the sun sets over the sand. The tour runs five hours total, departing at 2:00 PM and ending around 7:00 PM.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Lagoa Bonita Dunes and Nature

• Depart at 2:00 PM in Toyota 4x4
• Drive 50 minutes off-road to dune base
• Climb wooden staircase to park entrance
• Explore Lagoa Bonita and nearby lagoons
• Swim and take photos in lagoons
• Watch sunset over the dunes
• Return to Barreirinhas by 7:00 PM

The experience

You have a free afternoon in Barreirinhas. A 4x4 picks you up and drives an off-road trail for 50 minutes, stopping at the base of a dune where you climb a wooden staircase to enter the park. From the top, the landscape opens: golden dunes and blue lagoons of rainwater stretching between them. Lagoa Bonita is the first stop, famous for the height of its dunes and the clarity of the water. The tour then moves through Lagoa do Clone, Lagoa do Massarico, Lagoa do Descanso and other smaller lagoons tucked into the dune field, each one a place to swim and photograph.

The guide walks with you the whole way, and you can speak English, Spanish or Portuguese. If the bilingual guide is not available, a digital translator keeps communication going. Bring swimwear or a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen and insect repellent. Comfortable shoes matter for the climb and the walking between lagoons. Food and drinks are not included, so bring cash or a card if you want to buy anything along the way.

The late afternoon is when the tour peaks. As the sun drops, the light on the dunes shifts from white to gold to orange, and the contrast between the sand and the water deepens. You return to Barreirinhas around 7:00 PM. The whole outing is five hours, shared with other passengers in the same vehicle.

What’s included

• Transport in a Toyota 4x4 from Barreirinhas.
• a live guide who speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:00

Book up to4h before

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by FORTALEZA EXPERIENCE TOUR

Is this one for you?You are traveling with a small group of other visitors in a shared vehicle, which keeps the cost down and means you meet other travelers. The afternoon departure works if you have the morning free in Barreirinhas or are arriving early enough to join the 2:00 PM start.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What is Lagoa Bonita like when you get there?

Lagoa Bonita is known for its high dunes and clear water formed by rainwater. The climb up the dune rewards you with a panoramic view of the contrast between the golden sand and the blue lagoons, and it is the most famous lagoon in the park.

Can I swim in the lagoons during the tour?

Yes, there is time for refreshing swims in the lagoons along the way. Bring swimwear or a change of clothes and a towel.

What time does the tour leave Barreirinhas?

The tour departs at 2:00 PM and returns around 7:00 PM, for a total of five hours.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You climb a wooden staircase and walk between lagoons, but the pace is set for mixed abilities.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included. Bring cash or a card if you want to buy food or drinks along the way.