This post is also on: Português English

Pitambu is located on the north coast of Sergipe, in a region known as the Mangrove Coast, the town of Pirambu is one of the most visited in the state.

With a privileged location at the mouth of the Japaratuba River, bathed by the Pomonga River and the Atlantic Ocean, the town is considered one of the largest fishing centres in the northeast.

The municipality currently has a population of around 9,000 inhabitants and has been developing recently.

Every year Pirambu strengthens its vocation for tourism. Lagoons, dunes, mangroves, trails and waterfalls are the perfect setting to enjoy a good time and relax.

It’s also worth checking out the Santa Isabel Ecological Reserve, which is maintained by the Tamar Project and is home to one of the main turtle study centres.

The return of the boats has boosted the city’s economy, with traders taking the prawns to cities such as Salvador, Maceió and Recife.

The patola crab, which is caught on the high seas and used to be discarded due to ignorance of its flavour, is now highly sought after because a fry of it has a flavour equal to or better than any shrimp dish.

Videos about the north coast of Sergipe

Pirambu – History and Tips

For some sources, the town’s name comes from a fish common in the region (the pirambu), for others it comes from the name of an indigenous chief who inhabited the old settlement.

The settlement, originally called “Ilha”, was inhabited by fishermen at the beginning of the 20th century, who practised subsistence fishing in the Pomonga and Japaratuba rivers and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as hunting and farming.

Trade was based on barter and the houses were made of straw.

A commercial centre was set up in 1911 and the fishermen’s colony was founded.

In 1912 the settlement became a village, where a church was built in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes.

In 1934, with the emancipation of Japaratuba from Capela, Pirambu became a town.

In the 1960s, a group of local leaders started a movement for the political emancipation of Pirambu.

On 26 November 1963, a bill was passed that elevated the town to the category of municipality under the name of Pirambu, separated from Japaratuba.

The municipality has an average annual temperature of 26ºC and an average rainfall of 1650 mm/year, with the wettest period between March and August (autumn-winter).

The relief is represented by coastal plains (dunes, floodplains and marshy lowlands); coastal tablelands and hills. Its vegetation varies from hygrophilous to mangrove, restinga, capoeira, caatinga, cerrado, clean and dirty fields. The municipality is part of the Japaratuba river basin.

Access to the municipality from Aracaju is via the Construtor João Alves Bridge (Aracaju/Barra dos Coqueiros), following the SE-100 motorway along a 31-kilometre stretch of dunes, beaches and mangroves.

The Japaratuba is the municipality’s main river, with the Sapucaia, Brito, Poxim and Papagaio rivers also running through its territory (the Pomonga river flows into the Japaratuba on the border with Santo Amaro das Brotas, but does not run through Pirambuense soil).

There are also lagoons such as Pirambú, Catu, Camurupim, Titaras, Redonda, Grande, Seca, Santa Isabel and Sangradouro, the largest in Sergipe, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean in the village of Lagoa Redonda.

Pirambu in Sergipe

Pirambu is a municipality located about 75 kilometres from Aracaju, the capital of Sergipe. The town is known for its long beaches, rich biodiversity and the presence of the Tamar Project, which works to conserve sea turtles.

1. Main Attractions and Activities

1. Pirambu Beach

• Description: One of the main beaches in the region, it is known for its natural beauty, with golden sands and clear waters. The beach is long and ideal for walking, swimming and relaxing.
• Activities: Sea bathing, hiking, fishing and observing the local fauna.

2. Tamar Project

• Description: One of the bases of the Tamar Project, which is dedicated to the protection and conservation of sea turtles. The unit in Pirambu is essential for research and environmental education.
• Activities: Visits to the facilities, monitoring of conservation work, educational talks and, depending on the season, observation of the nesting and release of turtle hatchlings.

3. Santa Isabel Biological Reserve

• Description: An important environmental conservation area that protects mangrove, restinga and Atlantic forest ecosystems. The reserve is rich in biodiversity and offers trails for visitors.
• Activities: Ecological trails, observation of birds and other animals, and environmental education.

4. Mangue Seco waterfall

• Description: Located in the rural area of Pirambu, this is a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s a great spot for a peaceful stroll and a refreshing dip.
• Activities: Hiking, swimming and picnics.

5. Ponta dos Mangues Beach

• Description: A more isolated and unspoilt beach within the Santa Isabel Biological Reserve. It is ideal for those seeking tranquillity and direct contact with nature.
• Activities: Beach walks, wildlife watching and relaxation.

6. Redonda Lagoon

The Redonda Lagoon is one of the best known in the Pirambu region. With clear waters and surrounded by native vegetation, it offers a peaceful and picturesque setting.

6.1. Activities

• Lagoon bath: Ideal for swimming and cooling off.
• Kayaking and stand-up paddling: The calm waters are perfect for these activities.
• Picnics: Take advantage of the shores of the lagoon for a relaxing picnic.
• Fauna and flora watching: Excellent for those who like to watch birds and other local species.

6.2. Visiting Tips

• Best time: From September to March, during the dry season.
• How to get there: Around 15 km from the centre of Pirambu, accessible by road.

7. Lagoa Grande

Lagoa Grande is one of the largest in the region, known for its calm waters and the natural beauty that surrounds it.

7.1. Activities

• Swimming and recreation: Inviting waters for swimming and recreational activities.
• Sports fishing: The lagoon is popular for fishing, especially for amateur anglers.
• Boat trips: Boat trips allow you to explore the lagoon and its surroundings.

7.2. Visiting Tips

• Best time: All year round, especially during the dry season.
• How to get there: Easy access from Pirambu by road.

8. Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its vibrantly coloured waters and is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in the region.

8.1. Activities

• Bathing and swimming: Clear, clean waters are ideal for a refreshing dip.
• Trails: Trails around the lagoon for walking and observing nature.

8.2. Visiting Tips

• Best time: Dry season, from September to March.
• How to get there: The lagoon is accessible from the centre of Pirambu, by road.

9. Lagoa da Várzea

Lagoa da Várzea is less well known, but offers a peaceful environment and a rich biodiversity.

9.1. Activities

• Birdwatching: Excellent for birdwatching due to the diversity of birds in the area.
• Hiking: Trails around the lagoon for relaxing walks.
• Picnics: Great for a picnic in the middle of nature.

9.2. Visiting Tips

• Best time: From September to March, during the dry season.
• How to get there: Access by road from Pirambu.

2. Tips for Visiting

1. Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Pirambu is during the dry season, from September to March, when weather conditions are more favourable for outdoor activities and sea turtle watching.

2. How to get there

Pirambu is approximately 75 kilometres from Aracaju. It can be reached by car via the SE-100 and SE-226 motorways. There are also public transport options and tourist excursions from Aracaju.

3. Where to stay

There are several inns and hotels in Pirambu that offer comfortable accommodation. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the high season.

Tourism and Travel Guide to Pirambu in Sergipe and the Northeast