Ponta Verde Beach

Ponta Verde is the beach that gives its name to the point of Maceió’s city waterfront, between Pajuçara and Jatiúca. Its landmark is the Ponta Verde Lighthouse, a red-and-white striped tower standing on the reefs off the beach. At low tide, the sea pulls back and forms shallow, calm areas near the shore.

The Ponta Verde Lighthouse

According to the Brazilian Navy, the lighthouse was inaugurated in 1922, lit by acetylene gas. The local reefs caused ships to run aground, and a navigation light was a necessity. In 1949, it got its cylindrical masonry tower, about 11 meters tall, on concrete pillars. In 1986, it was electrified.

The lighthouse is still an operational navigation aid, maintained by the Navy. It can’t be visited inside. The best way to enjoy it is from the sand or the promenade.

What the sea is like

As at Pajuçara, the reefs act as a barrier to the waves. The result is a sea that’s usually calm near the sand, especially at low tide. At high tide, the strip of sand gets narrower.

Ponta Verde also has natural pools on the reefs, but the organized trips regulated by City Hall are concentrated at Pajuçara. Under Ordinance 013/2025, the fishing jangadas’ area is at Ponta Verde and the tourist jangadas’ area at Pajuçara. For the trip, see the Pajuçara natural pools page.

Water quality

IMA-AL publishes bathing water quality reports for the Alagoas coast. In July 2026, stretches of Ponta Verde, like other city beaches in Maceió, were classified as unsuitable for swimming. The classification changes frequently, especially after rain.

Things to do at Ponta Verde

• Walk or cycle along the promenade, which runs to Pajuçara on one side and Jatiúca on the other.
• See the lighthouse and reefs at low tide, one of the most photographed views on the waterfront. Check the tide table.
• Swim on days with good water quality and a calm sea.
• Enjoy the late afternoon on the waterfront, when the promenade gets busier.

When to go

Ponta Verde is at its best at low tide, during the day, when the reefs and lighthouse are clearly visible and the sea near the sand is shallow. Choose your time with the tide table and avoid the midday sun on the sand.

Accommodation and location

Ponta Verde is a residential neighborhood with many seafront buildings and one of the most popular bases for tourists. It lies between Pajuçara and Jatiúca, so you can get around much of the city waterfront on foot. See the pros and cons in the where to stay in Maceió guide and compare with other beaches in the Maceió beaches guide.