ATV Riding Natal: Dunes, Lagoons & Genipabu

Seven hours in a buggy: coastal beaches, dune rides, two lagoon stops, and a ferry crossing

A 7-hour buggy ride through Natal's North Coast takes you from your hotel through beaches and dunes to Genipabu, across a ferry to Pitangui Lagoon for a 40-minute stop, and on to Jacumã Beach. The buggy holds up to 4 people; if you book with fewer passengers, you'll share the vehicle with others. A Portuguese-speaking guide is included, along with hotel pickup and the buggy itself; food, drinks and optional activities like zip line cost extra.

Step-by-step itinerary

Buggy ride along North Coast dunes

• Start from hotels in Natal
• Pass Via Costeira coast
• Pass Redinha Beach
• Pass other beaches
• Buggy ride in Genipabu dunes
• Cross ferry at Barra do Rio
• Stop at Pitangui Lagoon bar
• Visit Jacumã Beach for activities
• Have lunch at seaside restaurant
• Optional extension to Porto Mirim and Muriu
• Return to Natal

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel and a run along Via Costeira, the coastal road with views of Redinha Beach and the aquarium. From there the route turns inland toward Genipabu, where you drive the dunes themselves—this is where the ride gets its speed and the dunes their reputation. The buggy handles the terrain; you sit in it and feel the drop and rise of each slope.

After Genipabu comes a ferry crossing at Barra do Rio, then the Dunes Douradas and Pitangui Lagoon, where the buggy stops for about 40 minutes and you can wade or rest at the lagoon bar. The route then pushes on to Jacumã Beach, where the day's optional activities cluster—zip line, skydiving and aerobunda are available for separate fees. Lunch happens at a seaside restaurant here. Depending on the tide, the driver may extend the route to Porto Mirim and Muriu before heading back to Natal.

The ferry crossing and dune sections carry a separate fee of R$30 per person if you're sharing the buggy, or R$120 total if the vehicle is private for four. Infants ride on an adult's lap. The whole day runs 7 hours, which means you're back by early afternoon if you start in the morning, or you're committed to most of the day if you depart later.

What’s included

• The buggy ride includes the vehicle itself and a Portuguese-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• the ferry crossing fee (R$30 per person on a shared buggy, or R$120 for a private vehicle of four).
• and stops at Genipabu dunes, Pitangui Lagoon and Jacumã Beach. Food, drinks and optional activities like zip line and skydiving are separate.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by NatalVans

Is this one for you?At 7 hours, this ride fills most of a day but leaves room for breakfast before pickup or a late lunch after return. If you're sharing the buggy, you'll ride with other passengers; booking a private vehicle for four keeps the group to yourself and locks in the ferry cost at R$120 instead of per-person charges.

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Top questions

What is Genipabu and why does the buggy ride go there?

Genipabu is a dune field near Natal where the buggy leaves the coastal road and climbs the slopes themselves. It's the section where the ride shifts from driving along beaches to driving over dunes, and it's what gives the tour its reputation for thrills.

How long do you actually spend at Pitangui Lagoon?

Pitangui Lagoon is a 40-minute stop on average. You can swim, wade or sit at the lagoon bar during that time before the buggy moves on to Jacumã.

Do I need to pay extra for the ferry crossing?

Yes. The ferry crossing at Barra do Rio costs R$30 per person if you're sharing the buggy with other passengers, or R$120 total if the buggy is private for your group of four.

What activities are optional at Jacumã Beach?

Zip line, skydiving (aerobunda) and skibunda are available at Jacumã Beach, each costing R$15. Lunch at the seaside restaurant is also separate from the buggy ride price.

Does the route change depending on the tide?

Yes. If the tide allows, the driver extends the trip to Porto Mirim and Muriu before returning to Natal. The exact route depends on tidal conditions on the day you ride.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is included. The buggy collects you from your hotel in Natal and returns you there at the end of the 7-hour ride.