- Type
- Beach
- Area
- North coast
- Free access
- Yes
- Depends on the tide
- Yes
Sereia Beach (Mermaid Beach) is the popular name for the stretch of Riacho Doce Beach where a mermaid sculpture stands on the reefs. It’s on Maceió’s north coast, between Garça Torta and Ipioca, on the way to Paripueira. For many people, it’s the must-see stop when heading north from the city waterfront.
The statue
According to Maceió City Hall, the sculpture was created by artist José Corbiniano Lins, is about four meters tall and was unveiled on March 22, 1964. It stands on the reefs, facing the open sea, and so suffers constant wear from the waves.
In December 2022, City Hall reported that the statue had been given a new tail, since the previous one had been destroyed by the sea, and was painted white. The work was done over three days, always at low tide, by a craftsman from Marechal Deodoro. Since then, the sculpture has once again become a photo backdrop for people traveling along the north coast.
Tide and best time
The tide changes everything at Sereia Beach. At low tide, the reefs are more exposed and the statue appears in full, with its base visible. At high tide, the water rises around it and the mermaid seems to “float” on the sea. Both photos are lovely; choose the one you prefer and check the time in the Maceió tide table.
What the beach is like
Riacho Doce has the pace of a beach neighborhood, with coconut palms and houses, very different from the Pajuçara and Ponta Verde promenade. The sea is partly sheltered by the reefs, but conditions vary with tide and wind. There isn’t always a lifeguard post: go into the water with care and avoid swimming alone.
The north coast area has undergone drainage, sanitation and paving works announced by City Hall in March 2025, including Riacho Doce. Some stretches may be under works or newly paved when you visit.
How to combine it with other beaches
| Stop | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Garça Torta | Neighborhood beach with coconut palms, just to the south |
| Riacho Doce (Sereia) | Photo of the statue on the reefs |
| Ipioca | Quieter beach, to the north |
| Paripueira | Natural pools, in another municipality |
A full-day outing to the north can go as far as Paripueira and stop at the Mermaid on the way back, in the afternoon light. See the full suggestion in the guide to the beaches of the Alagoas north coast.
Practical tips
- Transport: a car or ride-hailing app gives more flexibility. There are buses to the north coast, but check routes and times on Maceió City Hall’s official channel.
- Time needed: the photo stop is short. If you want a beach day, set aside the morning or afternoon in the area.
- Free access: like every beach in Brazil, it’s a public asset for common use (Law No. 7,661/1988).
To compare with the city waterfront beaches, read the Maceió beaches guide.
- Free access North coast Garça Torta Beach Garça Torta is a beach neighborhood on Maceió's north coast, with a very different pace from the city waterfront, on the way to Riacho Doce and Ipioca. See details
-
Free access North coast Ipioca Beach Ipioca is at the northern tip of Maceió, inside the Costa dos Corais APA, with less densely built-up beaches and river mouths. See details -
Tide-dependent North coast Paripueira Beach and Natural Pools Paripueira is the municipality just north of Maceió and has natural pools with visits regulated by the Costa dos Corais APA. See details
Practical tips
- Check the tide table: at low tide the statue appears in full on the reefs.
- Take photos from the sand; don't walk on the reefs to get close.
- Combine it with Garça Torta and Ipioca on the same outing.
- Bring water and sunscreen: facilities are fewer than on the city waterfront.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Maceió's Mermaid statue?
On Riacho Doce Beach, on Maceió's north coast, between Garça Torta and Ipioca. The sculpture stands on the reefs, a few meters from the sand.
Who made the Mermaid statue?
According to Maceió City Hall, the sculpture is by artist José Corbiniano Lins, is about four meters tall and was unveiled on March 22, 1964.
Can I get close to the Mermaid?
At low tide the reefs are more exposed and the statue seems closer. Walking on reefs hurts your feet and damages marine life; it's better to take photos from the sand or the water's edge.
Is it worth going just to see the Mermaid?
The stop is quick. It works best as part of an outing along the north coast, together with Garça Torta, Ipioca and, if there's time, Paripueira.
Combine with
- Free access North coast Garça Torta Beach Garça Torta is a beach neighborhood on Maceió's north coast, with a very different pace from the city waterfront, on the way to Riacho Doce and Ipioca. See details
- Free access North coast Ipioca Beach Ipioca is at the northern tip of Maceió, inside the Costa dos Corais APA, with less densely built-up beaches and river mouths. See details
- Tide-dependent North coast Paripueira Beach and Natural Pools Paripueira is the municipality just north of Maceió and has natural pools with visits regulated by the Costa dos Corais APA. See details