Natural pools
At the calm end.
Daniel Alves from Brazil — Public domain · André Lage Freitas — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Otávio Nogueira from Fortaleza, BR — CC BY 4.0 · Daniel Alves from Brazil — Public domain
Praia do Francês, in Marechal Deodoro just south of Maceió, takes its name, locals say, from the French smugglers of brazilwood who used it in colonial times. Its water shifts from turquoise to dark green over soft, pale sand. Its left end is sheltered by the reef, with natural pools, calm water, bars, restaurants and craft shops, the best choice for a relaxed swim. The opposite end is wilder, with strong waves that draw surfers and surfing contests. Activities include microlight flights, banana-boat and boat rides and jet skis, and beach vendors sell local treats.
At the calm end.
Over soft sand.
Boats and microlights.
Marechal Deodoro, south of Maceió, Alagoas
The left end, sheltered by the reef, with calm water and natural pools; the other end has strong waves and draws surfers.