Praia dos Carneiros: Day trip from Maragogi with guide

Summary

Spend a slow day at Carneiros Beach, where the river meets the sea

You’ll start your day with hotel pickup in Maragogi and head out with a local guide to Praia dos Carneiros. Expect soft sands underfoot, calm emerald water for swimming or floating, and plenty of time to relax beneath coconut palms. With lunch nearby and gentle company all around, it’s a slow-paced escape you’ll remember long after leaving Pernambuco’s coast.

What’s the experience like?

We piled into the van just after breakfast in Maragogi — still half-awake, clutching coffee, but our guide (I think her name was Ana?) had this easy smile that made everyone relax. The drive to Praia dos Carneiros wasn’t long, maybe an hour or so, but you could see the landscape shift: more coconut palms, flashes of bright blue between trees. When we finally stepped out, I got hit by this salty-sweet smell — sunscreen and seaweed and something floral I couldn’t place. It’s funny how a place can feel both wide open and tucked away at the same time.

Ana led us straight to this little support point right on the sand — nothing fancy, just plastic chairs under palm shade, but it felt like all you’d need. The beach itself is almost too perfect: white sand that squeaks under your feet, water so clear you can see tiny fish darting around your ankles. There’s this spot where the Formoso River slips into the sea; at low tide you get these long sandbanks that stretch out forever. Some kids were chasing crabs there. I tried to say “Carneiros” properly (the ‘r’ always trips me up) and Ana laughed — apparently it’s named for the white foam on the waves that looks like sheep? Never would’ve guessed.

We had hours to just wander or nap or float in that lukewarm water. At one point I lay back and watched clouds drift behind rows of coconut trees — honestly lost track of time. There’s not much noise except for distant laughter and someone playing forró on a speaker further down. Lunch was simple but good (grilled fish, rice), eaten barefoot with sand stuck to my legs. I kept thinking how different it felt from busier beaches; people here seemed softer somehow, slower gestures, less rush.

I didn’t expect to remember such small things: how my towel smelled faintly of salt when we packed up, or how Ana waved goodbye like she’d known us longer than a day. On the ride back to Maragogi everyone was quiet in that sun-dazed way — not tired exactly, just full.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Carneiros Beach Exploration

• Visit Carneiros Beach and enjoy natural pools

Top questions

How far is Praia dos Carneiros from Maragogi?

The drive from Maragogi to Praia dos Carneiros takes about an hour by air-conditioned vehicle.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Maragogi are included when you book this tour.

Is Praia dos Carneiros accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle and a professional local guide.

Are meals included during the day trip?

The description mentions access to facilities at Praia dos Carneiros; lunch is available nearby but not specifically included.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, sandals or flip-flops, and some cash for food or drinks at the beach.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Maragogi by air-conditioned vehicle plus guidance from an accredited local guide throughout your visit to Praia dos Carneiros; facilities are available at the beach so you can relax comfortably before heading back in the late afternoon.