Pitimbu

Pitimbu's natural pools: what the trip is like

How the catamaran trip to Pitimbu's natural pools works: crossing time, depth, tides and what to expect.

Photo: Eduardo Ribeiro de Paiva · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Short answer

How long does the trip to Pitimbu's natural pools take?

About two hours in all: 15 minutes by catamaran to the reefs, roughly an hour and a half snorkelling, and 15 minutes back.

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Where they are

Pitimbu's natural pools form over coral reefs about 1.5 kilometres from the main beach. They appear at low tide — which is why the trip's time changes every day.

What the trip is like

The catamaran takes about 15 minutes to reach the reefs, with roughly an hour and a half for free diving, and another 15 minutes back to the beach.

The water is shallow enough to stand in, which makes the trip accessible to non-swimmers too.

15 minutes out
About 1h30 at the pools
15 minutes back
Shallow enough to stand

Coconut palms and a thatched stall on the white sand of Pitimbu — Photo: ismaelsantos · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

What to bring

Sunscreen, water and, if you have them, your own mask and snorkel. A waterproof camera is worth it — the water is usually very clear.

Questions

What guests usually ask

How long does the trip to Pitimbu's natural pools take?

About two hours in all: 15 minutes by catamaran to the reefs, roughly an hour and a half snorkelling, and 15 minutes back.

Do you need to be able to swim?

No. The water in the pools is shallow enough to stand in, which makes the trip accessible to non-swimmers too.

What is the best time of day to go?

The pools appear at low tide, so the time changes every day. Check the tide table before making plans.

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Where to stay

Our apartments for this trip

Cabo Branco, João Pessoa

Mar do Cabo Branco

On the seafront on Avenida Cabo Branco, the quietest stretch in João Pessoa, where the avenue closes to cars from five to eight in the morning and becomes a walking route.

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Cabo Branco, João Pessoa

HIT Cabo Branco

One hundred and five units 60 metres from the sea, in a building with resort-style facilities: skybar, winebar, pools, whirlpool, gym and coworking. Studios of 20, 25 and 38 m², plus a one-bedroom apartment.

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