Tours from Maceió
The classic outings from Maceió, organized by type and length, with what to consider before booking.
Updated on October 5, 2026 ✓ Information checked on October 5, 2026 adapted from the Portuguese original
Maceió is a good base for day trips. Within a few hours you can reach natural pools, lagoons with islands, beaches lined with coconut palms and historic towns. This page brings together the classic outings, with the time each one takes and what to consider before booking.
The classic tours
| Tour | Type | Approximate length | Tide-dependent? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pajuçara natural pools | Jangada to the reefs, off the waterfront | A few hours | Yes |
| 9 islands tour | Boat on Mundaú Lagoon, leaving from Pontal da Barra | Half a day | Not directly |
| Praia do Francês | South coast beach, in Marechal Deodoro | Half to a full day | Yes, for the pools |
| Gunga Beach | Beach with coconut groves and cliffs, in Roteiro | Full day | It helps |
| Barra de São Miguel | Beach with reefs, base for Gunga | Full day with Gunga | Yes |
| Paripueira | Natural pools on the north coast | Full day | Yes |
| Marechal Deodoro | Historic center listed by Iphan | Half a day | No |
| São Francisco river mouth | Boat to where the river meets the sea, at Piaçabuçu | Full day (about 135 km from Maceió) | No |
| Maragogi | Natural pools at the state’s far north | Full day | Yes |
Distance to Piaçabuçu according to the Visite Alagoas portal. Lengths are approximate and vary with traffic and the operator.
By type of outing
At sea
The natural pools are formed by reefs that are exposed at low tide. In Maceió, the closest trip is at Pajuçara, by jangada from the waterfront. On the north coast, Paripueira is another option. These trips only run at low tide, so the Maceió tide table is the first thing to check.
On the lagoons
The Mundaú-Manguaba complex is Maceió’s other side. The 9 islands tour leaves from Pontal da Barra, the neighborhood of the filé lacemakers, known for its sunset over the lagoon, according to Maceió City Hall. On the other side, Massagueira is the stop for eating sururu.
South coast
Francês, Barra de São Miguel and Gunga lie along the AL-101 Sul. The guide to the beaches of the Alagoas south coast shows how to split these destinations over one or two days.
Long day trips
The São Francisco river mouth and the backland canyons take the whole day, and for the canyons an overnight stay is worth considering. The farther north coast has its own guide.
Before booking
Planning your days
A four- or five-day trip usually combines: a waterfront day with the Pajuçara pools, a south coast day, half a day on the lagoons and a long day trip. See ready-made suggestions in Maceió itinerary and more ideas in things to do in Maceió.
Attractions mentioned
Tours
In this section
- Maceió and Maragogi: Day Trip or Split Your Stay? Maragogi is about 133 km from Maceió on the AL-101 Norte. See when a day trip is worthwhile, when to split your stay and where to find the complete guide. Read guide
-
São Francisco River Mouth and Canyons from Maceió Two long trips from Maceió: where the São Francisco River meets the sea, at Piaçabuçu, and the canyons of the backlands, from Piranhas. Read guide
Frequently asked questions
What are the classic tours from Maceió?
The Pajuçara natural pools, the 9 islands tour on Mundaú Lagoon, the south coast (Francês, Barra de São Miguel and Gunga), Paripueira on the north coast, Marechal Deodoro and, as a long day trip, the São Francisco river mouth. The farther north coast has its own page.
Do I need an agency for the tours?
Not necessarily. Many destinations can be reached by car or ride-hailing app. The natural pools and the 9 islands tour require a boat, so you book the boat locally or through an agency.
How much do tours in Maceió cost?
There's no official price list. Prices vary with the season, the type of boat and what's included. Compare, ask for a written breakdown and confirm the rebooking policy.
Do the tours depend on the tide?
Those involving natural pools and reefs do. Departures are scheduled for low tide. Check the tide table before settling on a date.
Keep reading
Keep planning
-
Maceió Beaches A quick map of Maceió's beaches: the city waterfront with the Pajuçara pools, the calmer north coast and the south coast of lagoons and coconut groves. Read guide -
Maceió Itinerary: How to Plan a 2 to 7-Day Trip In Maceió, the itinerary starts with the tide table. See how to organize your days and choose the 2 to 7-day itinerary that fits your trip. Read guide -
Maceió Tide Table: How to Read It and Plan the Natural Pools The tide table for the port of Maceió, published by the Navy, decides the day for the natural pools. Learn how to read it and use it in your itinerary. Read guide