Coral pools
Crystal-clear water.
Alvaro.maracajau — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Farreri — CC BY 2.0 · Glauco Umbelino — CC BY 2.0
Maracajaú, a fishing village in Maxaranguape about 50 km north of Natal, is known for the Parrachos de Maracajaú: coral formations 7 km offshore that form pools of crystal-clear water. Boats take about 15 minutes to reach floating platforms moored over the reefs, where you snorkel with mask and snorkel for around two hours. Trips only work well at low tide, ideally 0.5 metres or less on the tide table, so departure times change from day to day. Prices vary by operator, from about R$95 for a basic trip from Maracajaú beach to R$135-180 for trips with more included; tours with transport from Natal cost more.
Crystal-clear water.
Over the reefs.
About two hours.
Maracajaú, Maxaranguape, north of Natal
On days with a low tide of 0.5 metres or less; departure times change daily with the tide.