What is the best boat trip in João Pessoa?

For fish and snorkelling, Picãozinho or the quieter Seixas. For sand and children, Areia Vermelha in Cabedelo. All depend on low tide.

Where do you board for Picãozinho and Areia Vermelha?

For Picãozinho, on the Tambaú seafront. For Areia Vermelha, at Camboinha beach in Cabedelo, about 30 minutes by car.

Picãozinho, Seixas or Areia Vermelha: which boat trip?

Three trips, one rule: the tide

João Pessoa's three most popular boat trips go to places that only exist at low tide: the natural pools of Picãozinho and Seixas, on the reefs off the seafront, and Areia Vermelha island, a sandbank in Cabedelo. That is why departure times change every day, and the right move is to check the tide table before planning the rest of your trip.

The lowest tides come with the new and full moons, and the best season runs from September to April. From May to July, rain and rough seas often cancel departures.

João Pessoa tide table: how to read it and when to go

Picãozinho: the classic

It is the best-known trip. You board on the Tambaú seafront, near the promenade, and the boat takes you to the reefs where low tide forms pools of warm water with colourful fish around you. There is no access by land. It is the busiest of the three — in high season many boats arrive at once.

Picãozinho natural pools

Seixas: the quietest

The Seixas natural pools lie about 800 metres offshore, opposite Ponta do Seixas and the Cabo Branco lighthouse. They are similar to Picãozinho but usually have fewer boats at once — their main advantage. You generally spend about three hours in the water, until the tide comes back in.

Seixas Natural Pools: how and when to go

Areia Vermelha: the island that comes and goes

Areia Vermelha is a sandbank in the middle of the sea, inside a State Marine Park in Cabedelo. Boats and catamarans leave from Camboinha beach, about 30 minutes by car from the João Pessoa seafront, and the crossing is short. On the island, operators set up chairs, umbrellas and drinks during the tide window.

Aerial view of the reefs and sandbank at Areia Vermelha, Cabedelo, with boats at anchor — Photo: MTur Destinos · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons

There is no natural shade and the pale sand reflects a lot of sun: a hat, sunscreen and water are essential.

Which to choose

You want to see fish and snorkel: Picãozinho or Seixas.
You want fewer people: Seixas.
You want sand, children playing and a chair under an umbrella: Areia Vermelha.
You are staying in Tambaú, Manaíra or Cabo Branco and do not want to drive: Picãozinho, which leaves from the seafront.
You have time: do two on different days, depending on the tide.

Bring rubber shoes: the bottom is reef.
Choose reef-safe sunscreen, and do not step on or touch the coral.
Pack light: boats have little space and you spend almost all the time in the water.

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