Marapé Dunes tour from Maceió: Mangrove & river

Mangrove nursery and river mouth where two ecosystems meet

A full-day guided tour from Maceió to the Marapé Dunes ecological complex between Duas Barras Beach and the Jequiá River, where mangrove swamp surrounds the shore as a natural nursery for fish, crustaceans and molluscs. The day includes air-conditioned transport, a guide speaking Portuguese, boat crossing and regional buffet lunch. Optional add-ons on-site let you explore a coconut plantation and sand cliffs or take a river boat trip with a therapeutic mud bath.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Marapé Dunes Ecological Complex

• Arrive at Dunas de Marapé Ecological Complex
• Pay day-use fee in cash
• Enjoy buffet-style regional lunch
• Explore the ecological complex facilities
• Optionally take Pau de Arara Circuit tour
• Optionally take Caetés Trail boat trip and mud bath

The Experience

The Marapé Dunes sit in a protected zone where mangrove meets river mouth, built as a natural breeding ground for marine life. You travel from Maceió in an air-conditioned vehicle with a Portuguese-speaking guide, then board a sloop to cross into the complex. The day-use fee covers the crossing and lunch served buffet-style at the on-site restaurant, which has its own safety and comfort setup. Children under 6 enter free; ages 6 to 9 pay half price; from 10 onward, the full rate applies.

Lunch is regional cuisine without drinks or dessert included. Once you arrive, the site opens two optional experiences available for on-site booking: the Pau de Arara Circuit takes you by vehicle through the neighboring town of Jequiá da Praia to a private coconut plantation, then to the colorful sand cliffs of Jacarecica do Sul beach. The Caetés Trail runs by boat along the Jequiá River with a stop for a mud bath, which locals use as physical therapy. Both add cost and time to your day but stay within the same location, so you can choose them after you arrive.

The tour runs nine hours total. Infants can travel in a stroller, and service animals are welcome. The operator notes this is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries and recommends at least moderate fitness for the day.

What’s included

• Portuguese-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup from Maceió.
• sloop boat crossing into the Marapé Dunes complex.
• regional buffet lunch at the on-site restaurant.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Luck Receptivo Maceió

Is this one for you?This is a shared guided tour with set timing, so you travel with other visitors and follow the guide's schedule. Choose it if you want the mangrove ecosystem explained by someone who knows the site and prefer not to arrange transport or navigate the complex on your own. The optional add-ons let you customize the afternoon once you arrive.

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Top questions

What exactly is the Marapé Dunes ecological complex?

Marapé Dunes is a protected natural area formed between Duas Barras Beach and the Jequiá River, where mangrove swamp lines the entire shore. The mangroves act as a large natural nursery, breeding ground for countless species of fish, crustaceans and molluscs that depend on the brackish water and root systems.

What does the day-use fee cover?

The R$100 per person day-use fee includes the sloop boat crossing into the complex and a regional buffet lunch at the on-site restaurant. Drinks and dessert are not included. Children under 6 do not pay; ages 6 to 9 pay R$50; from 10 years old the full rate applies.

Can I add activities once I arrive at Marapé Dunes?

Yes. Two optional tours are available for on-site booking only: the Pau de Arara Circuit (around R$50 per person) visits a private coconut plantation and the sand cliffs of Jacarecica do Sul. The Caetés Trail (around R$40 per person) is a boat trip along the Jequiá River with a mud bath stop. Both are optional and priced separately.

How long is the full tour from Maceió?

The tour runs nine hours total, including transport from Maceió, the boat crossing, time at the complex and lunch. Optional add-ons extend the day further.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport. Children under 6 enter the complex free. The tour involves a boat crossing and walking around the mangrove area, so moderate mobility is needed. Service animals are allowed.