Preguiças River Wildlife Tour from Barreirinhas by Speedboat

Seven hours on calm water, from riverside villages to where river meets sea

A speedboat tour of the Preguiças River departing from Barreirinhas with a Portuguese-speaking guide and hotel pickup included. The route follows the river's banks through mangrove forests and past native trees, stops at the fishing communities of Vassouras and Mandacarú to see the Preguiças Lighthouse, and ends at Caburé: a strip of dunes between river and ocean with swimming and lunch facilities. Seven hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Preguiças River speedboat tour

• Pick up at Barreirinhas hotels
• Embark on speedboat at pier
• View river wildlife and vegetation
• Stop at Vassouras community
• Taste coconut water and see monkeys
• Visit Mandacarú fishing village
• See Preguiças Lighthouse
• Head to Caburé dunes area
• Lunch and relax at Caburé huts

The experience

How do you see the Preguiças River without renting a car or arranging your own boat? The speedboat leaves from the pier in Barreirinhas after hotel pickup, and the calm water is what the river's name actually means: preguiça is Portuguese for laziness. The guide points out herons, sandpipers, and the native forest along the banks: igarapés, mangroves, buritis, Juçara trees (which produce açaí), and tucunzeiros. The pace is set by the water and the stops, not by a schedule that rushes.

The first real stop is Vassouras, also called Pequenos Lençóis, where capuchin monkeys live in the trees. Coconut water is available there if you want it (not included). From there the boat continues to Mandacarú, a small fishing village where the Preguiças Lighthouse stands: a landmark you see from the water and can photograph from the boat. Then comes Caburé, a strip of dunes wedged between the river and the sea, with basic huts that serve as a base for lunch and swimming in the calm shallows. Drinks and food are optional and paid separately. Bring cash in local currency if you plan to eat there.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a swim suit. Wear light clothing: the sun reflects off the water and the sand. Infants travel on an adult's lap. The tour suits all fitness levels. The boat does the moving and the stops are short walks or swims in shallow water.

What’s included

• Transportation by speedboat.
• professional guide speaking Portuguese.
• round-trip hotel pickup from Barreirinhas.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 40

Live guidePortuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gray Line Brazil

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't need a car or arrange your own transport to the pier. The guide collects you and brings you back, which matters if you're staying in Barreirinhas without a rental.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I see on the Preguiças River?

Herons and sandpipers are common along the banks. Capuchin monkeys live in the trees at Vassouras, and you may see them during the stop there. The river itself has calm, clear water but the guide will point out what lives in and around it as you travel.

Is food included in the tour price?

Food and drinks are not included. Coconut water is sold at Vassouras, and lunch and drinks are available at Caburé, but you pay separately for everything. Bring cash in local currency for any purchases.

How long does the tour take?

The full tour is seven hours from pickup at your hotel to return. That includes travel time on the speedboat, stops at Vassouras, Mandacarú and Caburé, and time for swimming and lunch at the final stop.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

Yes. The speedboat tour includes round-trip transportation from most hotels located in Barreirinhas. The guide will collect you in the morning and return you after the tour ends.

What is Caburé and what can I do there?

Caburé is a strip of dunes between the Preguiças River and the sea, with basic hut structures that provide shelter and bathrooms. You can swim in the calm river water, rest in the shade, and eat lunch there if you bring money or buy food from the huts.