Porto de Galinhas

Northeast Brazil's top beach resort: at low tide, ride a jangada raft out to coral-reef natural pools full of fish, with Muro Alto resorts to the north and Maracaípe surfing and the palm-fringed Praia dos Carneiros to the south.

Porto de Galinhas is on the coast of Ipojuca in Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil, about 60 km south of central Recife and about 50 km from Recife/Guararapes International Airport – roughly an hour's drive. It is one of the most popular beach resorts in Brazil's Northeast. The climate is tropical, with temperatures of 25–30°C year-round; Sep–Mar is the dry season with plenty of sunshine, while Apr–Jul is wetter, though rain mostly comes in showers. The main draw is taking a traditional jangada raft at low tide out to the natural pools enclosed by coral reefs to snorkel among the fish. Check the tide table in advance: a tide below 0.5 m is ideal, and the spring low tides around the full and new moon are best. The area divides into three sections. In the middle is Porto de Galinhas village, with a pedestrian street, chicken sculptures, seafood restaurants and nightlife. To the north are Praia do Cupe and the Muro Alto lagoon, where all-inclusive resorts are concentrated. To the south, in order, are the surf beach of Maracaípe, the Maracaípe estuary where you can see seahorses, and the quiet Praia de Serrambi; further south, take a boat to Ilha de Santo Aleixo, or drive about 40 minutes to Praia dos Carneiros in Tamandaré. Getting around is mainly by taxi, private driver and beach buggy day tours. Plan on 3–5 days, and consider combining with Recife and the historic town of Olinda. Wear sun protection; in the natural pools, standing on coral and feeding the fish are prohibited, and most beach loungers require a purchase.

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