Natal North Coast: Buggy Tour, Dunes & Lagoons Adventure

Summary

Ride buggies over Natal’s wild dunes to hidden lagoons and coastal views

You’ll race across Natal’s dunes on a classic buggy tour with a local driver, pausing for fresh ginga com tapioca at Redinha beach and swims in Pitangui Lagoon. Cross rivers by ferry, watch daredevils at Jacumã Lagoon, and finish with lunch right on Porto Mirim beach — all with sun in your hair and sand between your toes.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect when our bugueiro, João, grinned and asked “com emoção?” before we’d even left the hotel in Natal. He meant: do you want the wild ride or the calm one? I just laughed (nervously) and said yes — which apparently means “hold on tight.” The first real jolt came crossing Newton Navarro Bridge, all that open sky and the Potengi River below. The breeze smelled faintly salty, like wet stone after rain. João pointed out Fortaleza dos Reis Magos in the distance — I barely caught it because my hair was already everywhere.

We stopped at Redinha beach for photos — everyone else seemed to know exactly where to stand for that perfect shot with the bridge behind. There was this old man selling ginga com tapioca from a cart; João insisted we try it. It’s fried fish on chewy tapioca, salty and strange but somehow comforting. After that, we tore off toward Genipabu’s dunes. The buggy bounced so hard over those sandy hills I thought my sunglasses would fly off. I could hear kids laughing somewhere behind us, their voices carried by the wind.

The main keyword here is buggy tour in Natal — but honestly, it’s not about the vehicle or even the scenery (though Genipabu really does look unreal). It’s about feeling slightly out of control in a good way. At Lagoa de Genipabu we had to skip swimming (protected area), but the silence there was something else — just wind brushing over water and João humming softly under his breath. Later, at Pitangui Lagoon, we finally cooled off; there were plastic chairs half-sunk into the shallows and cold beer sweating in my hand. A dog slept under someone’s table.

By midday we’d crossed a river on a creaky wooden ferry that looked like it shouldn’t float (it did), passed coconut groves, then climbed up to Jacumã Lagoon where people were launching themselves down sand slides called “aerobunda.” I chickened out but still laughed watching others land with a splash. Lunch at Porto Mirim was loud — families everywhere, grilled fish smell mixing with sunscreen and sea air. The drive back felt slower; maybe because I didn’t want it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Buggy tour along Natal's North Coast

• Leave hotel by buggy
• Stop at Newton Navarro Bridge
• Visit Praia da Redinha for photos
• Drive through Genipabu Dunes
• Stop at Lagoa de Genipabu for photos
• Stop at Praia de Genipabu for photos
• Cross Ceará-Mirim River by ferry
• Cross Pitangui Dunes
• Stop at Lagoa de Pitangui to rest
• Stop at Golden Dunes for photos
• Pass viewpoint and coconut tree landscape
• Visit Lagoa de Jacumã via Jacumã Dunes
• Stop for lunch at Praia de Porto Mirim
• Return to hotel along seafront

Top questions

How long does the buggy tour in Natal take?

The full day trip lasts around 7-8 hours including stops for photos, swimming, activities and lunch before returning to your hotel.

Is swimming allowed at all lagoons during this day trip?

You can swim at Pitangui Lagoon but not at Genipabu Lagoon due to environmental protection rules.

What should I bring for this buggy tour?

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, towel, cash for optional activities or snacks, and maybe a hat that won’t fly away!

Are meals included on this private buggy tour?

A buffet lunch at Porto Mirim beach restaurant is included in your booking.

Do they pick up from all hotels in Natal?

Yes, hotel pickup is included within Natal city limits for this buggy tour.

Is this suitable for kids or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but expect bumpy rides over dunes; check with your guide if you have concerns.

Are entrance fees or activity tickets included?

The entrance fee for Pitangui Lagoon is included; extra activities like sand slides at Jacumã are paid separately onsite.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your Natal hotel by an accredited bugueiro driving a standard Marazul buggy (shared or private), entry fees for dune access and Pitangui Lagoon swimming area, plus a buffet lunch at Porto Mirim beach before heading back along the coast as afternoon light fades.