Praia de Garapuá

About this place

Garapuá is a beach on the same Tinharé Island as Morro de São Paulo, about fourteen kilometres from the village centre and far quieter, with a fishing village of kiosks, restaurants, a small church and fishing boats, and the rest of the beach long and nearly empty. Its best-known feature is its natural pools among the reefs, which appear only at low tide, especially around new and full moon when the tidal range is greatest. Small boats leave the village for the pools for a modest fare when the tide is right, and the «round the island» boat trip from Morro de São Paulo also stops at the pools, though not at the beach itself. The village and beach are reached overland by 4x4 or by boat. It suits a calm day away from Morro's crowds; check the tide table before going to see the pools at their best.