Dunes, lagoons, coconut trees, beaches with cliffs and a sea that, protected by stretches of coral, forms pleasant natural pools is the typical landscape of the south coast of Rio Grande do Norte.
A must-see in Barra de Tabatinga on the south coast of RN, or simply on Tabatinga beach, is the visit to the Mirante dos Golfinhos, located on a cliff. If you are lucky, you can see – when the tide is high – dolphins having fun and giving quick shows in the water.
Another attraction is the Lagoa de Arituba where it is possible to take a pedal boat ride and a kayak ride.
The preserved forest around the lagoon can also be seen during a quad bike ride.
A must-see is to take the opportunity to practise the adventure sports activity called zip-lining. At the lagoon, visitors can also enjoy the stalls with typical seafood dishes.
Despite being located only 45 km from Natal RN after the beach of Búzios, where the sea is rough, Tabatinga has in its lower part natural pools suitable for bathing formed by the reefs.
There it is also possible to have lessons of hang gliding and paragliding due to the good speed of the winds and the cliffs.
In Natal we have an unrivalled coastline, keep enjoying the wonders that await you here.
Located 85 km from Natal RN on the south coast, Barra de Cunhaú belongs to the municipality of Canguaretama.
As the main waters are calm – due to the river flowing into the sea – those who arrive have the impression of being in front of a lagoon instead of the Atlantic Ocean.
The meeting of the river with the sea is essential for the existence of mangroves, the natural habitat of crabs – a dish much appreciated in the region.
The Cunhaú River and the entire coastline are ideal for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, jetskiing and water skiing.
There is also a Yacht Club, which encourages the practice and carries out recreational activities such as sailing or motorised boat trips. These activities strengthen local tourism.
Barra de Cunhaú is known for the breeding of shrimp in captivity – an activity called carciniculture.
Sought by those who want peace and quiet, if the visitor wants a little hype can check out the neighbouring beach of Pipa, 8 km away, via ferry.
The only bay in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, the beach town of Baía Formosa lives up to its name. It is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in the state and is located 94 km from Natal RN, heading towards the South Coast by BR 101.
Even though it is one of the most sought after places on the coast of the State, Baía Formosa retains a peaceful and calm air, and has fishing as a commercial activity.
Visitors cannot leave the city without first checking out and taking a walk through Mata Estrela – the largest Atlantic Forest reserve in Rio Grande do Norte. With almost two thousand hectares preserved by the sea, Mata Estrela is home to many endangered species of Brazilian fauna and flora.
Another option, for those who are superstitious or not, is to dive into the waters of Lagoa de Araraquara, nicknamed Lagoa da Coca-Cola (Coca-Cola Lagoon) due to the dark colour of its water, which does not influence its purity and quality.
The locals believe that the waters of this lagoon have medicinal and rejuvenating powers.
Baía Formosa is also composed of the beaches of Sagi, Farol, Perobas and Barreirinhas.
A unique feature of the beautiful bay is that during the year the cliffs that make it up change colour.
Located 85 km from Natal RN on the south coast, Barra de Cunhaú belongs to the municipality of Canguaretama.
As the main waters are calm – due to the river flowing into the sea – those who arrive have the impression of being in front of a lagoon instead of the Atlantic Ocean.
The meeting of the river with the sea is essential for the existence of mangroves, the natural habitat of crabs – a dish much appreciated in the region.
The Cunhaú River and the entire coastline are ideal for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, jetskiing and water skiing.
There is also a Yacht Club, which encourages the practice and carries out recreational activities such as sailing or motorised boat trips. These activities strengthen local tourism.
Barra de Cunhaú is known for the breeding of shrimp in captivity – an activity called carciniculture. Sought by those who want peace and quiet, if the visitor wants a little hype can check out the neighbouring beach of Pipa, 8 km away, via ferry.
Búzios beach is located 23 km from Natal, on the south coast of Rio Grande do Norte, between the beaches of Pirangi do Sul and Tabatinga.
It belongs to the municipality of Nísia Floresta, which is the pseudonym of one of the most notable writers born in Rio Grande do Norte – Dionísia Gonçalves Pinto.
It is among the favourites of the people of Natal to enjoy the summer period, and is famous for the strength of its waves and winds, which calls for more caution when bathing, and draws the attention of surfers and fans of windsurfing and kitesurfing. It also has beautiful dunes and the small Rio Doce.
On the seafront, visitors will find several stalls for meals. On the main avenue a leisure option is the Big Blue Water Park with swimming pools, water slide, playground and restaurant.
With time left over for cultural tours, it is also interesting to go to Nísia Floresta to visit the famous Baobá planted in 1877, the Mother Church, the old railway station, the Engenho Velho and the mausoleum of Nísia Floresta.
About 30 km from Natal on the south coast, Camurupim belongs to the municipality of Nísia Floresta – the pseudonym of a feminist and renowned writer born in Rio Grande do Norte, Dionísia Gonçalves Pinto. Marked by the presence of reefs that form natural pools, the beach is ideal for calm and safe bathing.
At low tide, a tip is to visit the inside of a cave between the reefs called Pedra Oca – it is possible for a person of about 1.60 metres to stand inside.
Camurupim also has two water parks: Parque dos Tubarões and Pontal Parque Aquático. In addition to the Arituba Lagoon, where you can take swan-shaped pedal boats and kayaks. You can also get to know the preserved forest around the lagoon through a quad bike ride.
It’s even cooler to take the opportunity to practice zip-lining. In addition to these attractions, there are stalls with typical seafood dishes to satisfy the curiosity of tourists.
Located between the municipality of Tibau do Sul and Pipa beach, in the southern part of the RN coast, Cacimbinha beach is a mandatory stop for those interested in paragliding – the jump is made from above the cliffs.
It is possible to descend to the seafront by a long staircase, and what you will find is a quiet, more reserved place, without many visitors. In the waters of Cacimbinhas beach, kitesurfers enjoy the sport, but the sea is only safe for the most experienced because of the constant winds. Nearby you can find the beautiful Pousadas in Pipa.
Located after the beach of Ponta Negra, Cotovelo is 15 km away from Natal RN and belongs to the municipality of Parnamirim. Its public is generally formed by local holidaymakers. The cliffs give charm to the beach that attracts those who prefer to enjoy the calm of the sea to rest, and the restaurants by the sea.
From the elbow you can also see the cliffs that gave name to the first Rocket Launch Base in Latin America – Barreira do Inferno. Named so because the cliffs by the sea are red and resemble the colour of fire.
Just beyond Cotovelo beach is the famous Pirangi beach which is home to the largest Cashew Tree in the World on its main street. This tree is over 100 years old and continues to expand and bear fruit. A symbolic fee is charged for visiting.
Tourists can also climb a wooden palanque that is taller than the tree and enjoy its canopy from above.
Lagoa de Guaraíra is a lagoon with calm waters that reflects all the beauty of Tibau do Sul beach, on the south coast of Rio Grande do Norte, before Pipa beach. Although it was once a lagoon of only fresh water, today, due to the encounter with the sea, it is also composed of salt water. There you can take boat trips, motorboats, canoes, kayaks and even banana boats.
Guaraíras is not only used for fishing, but also for shrimp farming in the state, and has an extensive mangrove area. On the seafront there are several stalls offering typical coastal cuisine. If you can wait to see the sunset there, you won’t regret it.
Lagoa do Carcará is located on Tabatinga beach, which belongs to the municipality of Nísia Floresta. Little known, with clean, warm and transparent waters you can see the bottom with the clear sands. Although it is difficult to get there, do not give up. On the way there you will meet the Papary Mill that offers tourists a tasting of Papary and Vila Imperial handmade cachaças – produced on site. You can also buy them on site.
To have fun in Lagoa do Carcará you can practice windsurfing, kayaking or pedal boats. The lagoon is part of a little-known tourist route called “Roteiro das Águas”, of the “Lacuste Bonfim” system, which is composed of several other lagoons: Redonda, Boágua, Arituba, Alcaçus, Ferreira Grande, Urubu and Carcará. If you enjoy a lagoon is worth checking, is 50 km away from Natal RN.
It is located 38 km from Natal RN, on the south coast of the state, between the beach of Barreta and Tibau do Sul. Even though it is close to Tibau do Sul, and receives many tourists who arrive or leave it, Malembá belongs to the municipality of Georgino Avelino. The beach is deserted, so its natural beauty remains almost untouched. The sea is calm, with weak waves and reefs.
Famous for being a kitesurfing spot, due to the strong winds, Malembá is also sought after by those who want to enjoy its dunes and take a buggy or quad ride, practice sandboarding and skibunda. Access to the beach is via the ferry crossing from Tibau do Sul.
You can also get there by the beachfront, for those coming from the city of Natal, by buggy or traction cars.
To have fun in the Carcará Lagoon you can practice windsurfing, kayaking or pedal boats. The lagoon is part of a little-known tourist route called “Roteiro das Águas”, of the “Lacuste Bonfim” system, which is composed of several other lagoons: Redonda, Boágua, Arituba, Alcaçus, Ferreira Grande, Urubu and Carcará. If you enjoy a lagoon is worth checking, is 50 km away from Natal RN.
Pirangi do Norte beach is separated from Pirangi do Sul beach by the Pirangi River. It is located on the south coast of RN, 22 km from Natal, and is the beach most frequented by holidaymakers. The sea is suitable for swimming.
Pirangi beach is home to the largest cashew tree in the world. The centenary tree has ten thousand square metres of canopy and is still fruiting. You can see it for free as you pass through the centre. A symbolic fee is charged to enter and wander through its branches. You can also climb a wooden palanque, higher than the Cajueiro, and see all its green beauty and the ocean from above.
Pirangi beach also has a famous boat trip, carried out by the Tourist Complex, which is located in front of the Cajueiro, called Marina Badauê. The tour takes tourists to other beaches in the region and to the natural pools of transparent waters of Pirangi, which is 800 metres from the coast. Enjoy and take a dip!
In addition to the natural attractions, as it is one of the most famous beaches to enjoy the summer, the city of Parnamirim holds every year in Pirangi a great carnival that brings together different bands attracting the public to the main street. Plan to enjoy all this on your next visit to Natal RN.
Madeiro beach is much visited by curious people who want to see dolphins with the naked eye and those who want to catch their first waves. On the beach there are stalls that offer boards for hire, and you can also hire the services of instructors, who will give you tips and guide your first steps under the waves.
The beach, which is a bay, has unrivalled beauty. To reach the seafront, you have to descend a particularly long wooden staircase, surrounded by local vegetation. But the physical effort is compensated by the view you will have of the region, with colourful cliffs and coconut trees.
One option to get to Ponta do Madeiro beach – if you are in Pipa beach – is to take a walking trail from the Ecological Sanctuary – an area of preserved Atlantic Forest with trails that will give you direct contact with nature. The trail will end at a staircase that leads down to the beach.
Sagi Beach is located 115 km from Natal RN, after Baía Formosa. It is the last beach on the south coast and borders the state of Paraíba. The border between the states is marked by the Guajú River – dark and warm waters. The fact that it is far from the capital makes Sagi an almost untouched beach. There is a dune called “No Limite”, which you can climb and enjoy the beautiful landscape that separates the two northeastern states.
Sandboarding is practised on the dunes of Sagi. In addition, you can take raft trips along the Guajú River, visit the mangrove swamp, and take a mud bath – the mud is taken from the mangrove swamp and rubbed all over the body, as it is believed to have rejuvenating properties. Sagi is a beach for those who want to enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
Located 90 km from Natal RN on the coast, Sibaúma beach is the last one in the municipality of Tibau do Sul. Unlike the other beaches belonging to this municipality, which are well known. Sibaúma has the peculiarity of being an extensive, deserted beach, and still being a fishing village.
However if you are on the beach of the kite, it is only 10 minutes away.
Tourism Guide of the South Coast of RN
Praia de Pipa, also known as Vilarejo de Pipa, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil. Located in the municipality of Tibau do Sul, approximately 85 kilometres south of Natal, the state capital, Pipa offers a combination of natural […]
Tibau do Sul, located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, is a charming tourist destination that offers a mix of stunning natural landscapes, paradisiacal beaches and a welcoming atmosphere. In addition to the famous Pipa Beach, Tibau do Sul has several other attractions that appeal to visitors from […]
Barra do Cunhaú is where the Curimataú River (Rio Cunhaú) meets the sea. Barra do Cunhaú is a small fishing village located in the municipality of Canguaretama, on the south coast of Rio Grande do Norte, around 75 kilometres from Natal. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, calm waters and […]
Nísia Floresta, located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, is a tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and lagoons. The town offers a combination of coastal landscapes and inland waters that attract visitors in search of relaxation and adventures in nature. The town is named in honour […]
The south coast of RN has dunes, lagoons, coconut palms, beaches with cliffs and a sea that, protected by stretches of coral, forms pleasant natural pools at low tide. This is the typical landscape of the south coast of Rio Grande do Norte, easily accessible via the Rota do Sol […]
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