Natal Beaches

Praia de Ponta Negra, Natal

Natal really has a lot going for it.  A coastal city near the equator, it has sunny and hot days almost year round, with essentially one season: summer. Natal's beaches are often white soft sand with blue or light green waters, the land is mostly covered in coconut trees and large dunes that shift with the winds.  The constantly changing landscape means you'll never visit the same twice. The sheer number of beaches around Natal is staggering, with beaches running up and down the coast for over 100 miles in each direction.  Lagoons and lakes dot the land, with small fishing villages at every other beach. Each beach is unique, and each is worth visiting.   We have covered many of Natal's beaches here and hope you get to visit them all!

 

The pictures of Natal's beaches we've put together are really worth a thousand words, and show a real variety of paradise beaches.  Make sure you go on a least one dune buggy tour, they will take you through many of these beaches, many of which you might find very hard to navigate to without a buggy and a knowledgeable guide.  Some of them are only accessible by dune buggy, which makes some of Natal's beaches very secluded to those seeking out lightly visited areas. 

 

While some of Natal's beaches are only accessible by dune buggy, many of the beaches are urban beaches, making them relatively easy to get to and almost guaranteed to have many amenities surrounding them.   Some of the more rural beaches offer little in the way of services, but offer up a wild and very natural setting, while others are tied to fishing villages where tradition and culture are still very strong within the community. 

 

Many of Natal's beaches have coral reefs off the coast, which are generally accessible during low tide and allow for great snorkeling, some do require a boat to get to them, since they may be quite some distance from the beach even at low tide.  While the water isn't very deep at these coral, especially at low tide, they can still be fairly far from the shore.    

 

The end result is Natal is a great place for those seeking out some beach time, with a vast array of secluded, and urban beaches available. Snorkeling, tours and amenities are offered at most of Natal's beaches, so take advantage of them!  You can't visit Natal without spending a good deal of time on the beaches there!

Areia Preta Beach in NatalAreia Preta Beach - MAP 8 This is one of the main urban beaches of Natal, found towards the north end of the city.  Until a short time ago, this beach was primarily visited by the locals who lived in the Mãe Luíza neighbourhood which lies directly behind the apartment and hotel buildings that line the coast here.  Today, housing prices have increased dramatically and new luxury buildings have been built, which have brought in more and ...
Arituba Lagoon in NatalArituba Lagoon - MAP 8 This modestly sized lake is located next to Tabatinga Beach and is an excellent option for swimming in calmer waters.  The lake is part of the city of Nisia Forest, which is roughly 46 km from downtown Natal, but don't let the distance deter you.  The lake has beautiful blue shallow waters, which presents a nice alternative to the rougher waves of the nearby ocean.  It also offers a safer alternative for parents wh...
Artistas Beach in NatalArtistas Beach - MAP 8 Standing on the beach, a visitor might all of a sudden come across a trio playing authentic forró (a dance popular in the Northeast). This is what Artistas Beach is all about. Evening activities and demonstrations fill the beach, along with live music from the pubs and clubs and all full of locals and tourists alike, enjoying everything the artists have to offer.   Artistas Beach is an urban beach, only 5 minutes ...
Baía Formosa Beach in NatalBaía Formosa Beach - MAP 8 Located in the city of Baia Formosa, Baía Formosa Beach is almost 100km from Natal and actually near the border with the State of Paraíba.  The beach has numerous fishing boats sitting offshore, with a long wide sandy beach.  The bank of the beach in some areas is nearly a sheer cliff.  The brilliant blue waters here make it a beautiful beach to visit.   There are many beaches in this area, b...
Barra de Cunhaú Beach in NatalBarra de Cunhaú Beach - MAP 8   This south coast beach is found near the city of Canguaretama, which is almost 75 km from Natal, but it holds one of the most beautiful beaches along the the south coast of Rio Grande do Norte.  The fishing village of Canguaretama is surrounded by a landscape of salt marshes, coves, beaches and open sea, which includes Barra de Cunhaú Beach.  The beach itself is endowed with a mixture of wild and calm beau...
Maxaranguape Beach in NatalBarra de Maxaranguape Beach - MAP 7 Along the north coast, this beach is known for its very festival carnival parties, famous handicraft work and for its fishing.   Barra de Maxaranguape Beach is located in the city of Maxaranguape north of Natal and roughly 45 km from downtown Natal.   Barra de Maxaranguape  is a quiet place nestled between the ocean and the river Maxaranguape.  The beach is protected from waves by a magnificent stretc...
Barreta BeachBarreta Beach - MAP 8 This beach on the south coast is a preferred beach for many vacation goers.    With many restaurants and hotels, this beach possesses one of the most lively areas for Carnival on the South Coast.  Barreta Beach is also surrounded by beautiful coral reefs which form natural pools, and are continuations of the Tabatinga and Camurupim reefs.    Tupi Indians used to live in this area, fish...
Buzios Beach in NatalBúzios Beach - MAP 8 This south coast beach is near the city of Nísia Floresta which is twenty kilometers from downtown Natal.  The beach attracts many surfers due to the strong waves here, and people often come for the natural beauty of the area.  The dunes of Búzios Beach are also worth the visit, along with the gorgeous sunset that the whole area is known for.   There is also a cove that is situated between Pirangi...
Cabo de Sao Roque BeachCabo de São Roque Beach - MAP 7 The Cape St. Roque is actually the closest point in all of South America to the African continent.  Some writings describe this place as the most likely place the Portuguese fleet of "Pedro Alvares Cabral" first anchored.   At Cabo de São Roque Beach, there are two Gameleira trees which have been joined together by the force of the wind and almost formed a single unique tree.  The popular name of t...
Camurupim BeachCamurupim Beach - MAP 7 This southern coast beach is located roughly 45 km south of Natal's city center.  Camurupim Beach actually belongs to the city of Nísia Floresta, which makes it a nice beach to visit if you're also visiting the local city center.   The Beach is formed by huge reefs, which form a chain of coves and grottos great for bathing in and walking along.   The area is also good for children because it do...
Cotovelo Beach in NatalCotovelo Beach - MAP 7 This is considered the first beach on the south coast of Natal, Cotovelo Beach is located roughly 21 km from downtown Natal, making it an easily accessed beach for tourists.  Cotovelo Beach has many cliffs along the edge of the beach but still offers great areas for bathing in, but generally only during low tide due to nature the beach backing up to the cliffs.  This is considered one of the best beaches for vacationers...
Natal - Praia do ForteForte Beach - MAP 7 The name for the beach comes from the fact that the famous Forte dos Reis Magos resides here, a historical Forte used to protect the surrounding lands from invading forces.  This is also an urban beach, which is next to the famous Artistas Beach.  The barrier of rocks throughout, helps form natural warm water, swimming pools at full tide.  Forte Beach is most famous for the fort, and most tourists come to see the f...
Genipabu Beach in NatalGenipabu Beach - MAP 7 Some amazing sights can be found at Genipabu beach, with its huge dunes and fresh water lagoons, this beach is full of fun and natural beauty.  Genipabu beach is also where one of the most famous post card pictures was taken for the entire Rio Grande do Norte.   It is very likely you will see Genipabu beach on many post cards around the city because of the huge diversity of scenery.   Huge dunes and fresh ...
Jacumã Beach in NatalJacumã Beach - MAP 7 Located along the north coast, roughly 33 km from downtown Natal, this beach is surrounded by reefs that transform it into a cove where the waves from the ocean are blocked, creating calm waters that are great for bathing and swimming in.  On the beach is the restaurant Naf-Naf which serves up seafood and views of the ocean.   The biggest attraction to Jacumã Beach is the Jacumã Lagoon, which is a stop...
Lagoa de GuarairasLagoa de Guaraíras - MAP 7 On reaching the coast of Tibau do Sul, the amazing views of calm waters of Guaraíras Lagoon are visible.   One of the most visited attractions in Natal, this lagoon, which has had pure freshwater in the past has been altered by natural erosion and is now open to the sea. Besides serving as a route to Malembá Beach or Natal, the lagoon is a significant portion of one of the most important economic activitie...
Malemba BeachMalembá Beach - MAP 7 Very near to the hot spots of Pipa (10437) and Tibau do Sul (10436) you will find Malembá Beach. The breathtaking scenery is impresses even at a distance. There are four miles of untouched and crystal clear waterfront, a long cove bound by the sea and dunes, and sparse vegetation due to the constant wind which has pushed back the lush rainforest in this area.  Kitesurfers colours the peaceful landscape which is occasi...
Maracajaú Beach in NatalMaracajaú Beach - MAP 7 In the city of Maxaranguape you will find Maracajaú beach, roughly 60 km from Natal, and full of surprises, with its crystal clear waters, and its Parrachos de Maracajaú, (11565) coral reefs, a short distance from shore.   The reefs are 7 km from shore, but there are many tours which will take you out to see them.   Tourism is the main economic activity of this small fishing village with about 2,000 inhab...
Iemanjá at Meio Beach - NatalMeio Beach - MAP 7 A monument to Lemanjá - The Queen of the Sea is found here at Meio Beach, which lies between the beaches of Artistas Beach (10445) and Forte Beach (10446)  and is therefore called "Meio" or Middle.  Meio Beach has rough seas and is very good for extreme sports like surfing.  The beach is also frequented by day swimmers, but it best to avoid swimming during high tide and only enjoy the waters during...
Muriu BeachMuriú Beach - MAP 7 A typical fishing village, Muriú beach in Rio Grande do Norte has unusually calm waters which are excellent for swimming in.  It has beautiful sand dunes, lagoons, reefs and coconut trees.  One of the many attractions in Muriú are the natural pools with coral formations.  Scuba diving is also done here, especially at the place known as the Old Hole.   During high season, from December to Ma...
Pipa Beach in NatalPipa Beach - MAP 7 Internationally recognized, Pipa Beach should be on everyones agenda when visiting Natal.  While a fair distance from Natal, at almost 80 km, the beach is still worth taking the time to visit.  Originally a fishing village, it was inhabited by immigrants from all over the world, changing the way people now see Pipa Beach. Today Pipa Beach has an excellent infrastructure, including restaurants with dishes from ...
Pirangi Beach in NatalPirangi Beach - MAP 8 About twenty kilometers south of downtown Natal, this south coast beach is divided by the river Pirangi, which creates two beaches, Pirangi do Norte and Pirangi do Sul, which are then grouped under the name Pirangi Beach.   The beach is famous not because of the white sands, but because it has the "Biggest Cashew nut tree of the World", which is even recorded in the Guinness Book of world records for it's ...
Pitangui Beach in NatalPitangui Beach - MAP 8 A typical fishing beach, with a landscape filled with coconut trees and palm trees, Pitangui Beach has attracted many who have ended up building vacation homes here.  The area has also built up a good number of restaurants to service all of the tourists, many along the beach, making it unnecessary to ever even leave the beach.     Pitangui Beach is also included in several of the routes that the Bu...
Ponta Negra Beach in NatalPonta Negra Beach - MAP 7 One of the most well known and visited beaches in the city, Ponta Negra is in an area that is frequented by tourists due to the beautiful beach, numerous hotels, restaurants and activities available to them.  One of the most famous and well known post card pictures of Natal has been taken from this area, and includes the famous Morro do Careca or bald mans hill, which lies at the very southern most point of the beach.   Ove...
Punaú Beach in NatalPunaú Beach - MAP 7 Situated 65 km north from Natal, Punaú Beach possesses one of the most beautiful landscapes along the North Coast.   Most of the beaches on the north side of the state are formed by coconut trees, and dunes, which are a signature of beaches in this area.   The beach is situated at the junciton of the Punaú River with the ocean.  The reefs around here make it an ideal place for under water fi...
Redinha Beach in NatalRedinha Beach - MAP 8 This urban beach is in the northern region of the city and the front door to the North Coast, Redinha Beach is divided into Redinha Velha and Redinha Nova, a less frequented  prolongation of Redinha Velha.  This beautiful beach provides gorgeous sights of the Potengi River where it meets with the Atlantic Ocean and the fresh water mixes with the blue salty ocean waters.   The surrounding area has plenty...
Sagi Beach in NatalSagi Beach - MAP 8 To the south of Natal lays Sagi Beach, situated between two rivers, it is also the last beach in the state of Rio Grande do Norte and sits on the border with the state of Paraíba.  The beach is calm and nice for bathing or swimming, and is considered a wild beach or a very natural beach.    It's also common to see animals being used for transportation in this area, due to it's remoteness.  ...
Santa Rita BeachSanta Rita Beach - MAP 8 This is a typical vacation beach, with a few bars and tents on the beach which swimmers and bathers utilize.   If you're in the area during Carnival, you might find yourself admist many of the Natal Carnival activities, which take place just a few kilometers from here, but which spread around to the entire area.   After a long day at the beach, check out a good Brazilian steak house, Rancho da Pipa located...
São Miguel do Gostoso Beach in NatalSão Miguel do Gostoso Beach - MAP 7 This beach is on the north coast, and 112 km from Natal, while being fairly far from downtown Natal, it has been developed far more than other beaches along the coast.  São Miguel do Gostoso, is also known as Gostoso, which literally translates to Tasty.   Known as the "corner of the continent", its intense and strong winds made it a worldwide cult place for practicing windsurfing and kitesu...
Sibaúma Beach in NatalSibaúma Beach - MAP 8 This area originated from the former Quilombo tribe, which has kept it's traditional fighting spirit and which culturally still exists today.  Sibaúma Beach is part of a traditional fishing village and is the main activity here, but tourism is showing up more and more, with more guesthouses, and friendly beach bars.   Surrounded by cliffs, Sibaúma Beach is often deserted at high tide, but d...
Tabatinga Beach in NatalTabatinga Beach - MAP 8 The beach is surrounded by reefs that keep large waves out, and which form natural swimming pools during low tides.  It's open ocean but still good for bathing and swimming due to the reefs.  Towards the end of the afternoon, dolphins come in close to the coast to catch fish and to interact with tourists.    From the top of the Mirante dos Golfinhos, there is a beautiful view of Búzios Beach.&nb...
Tibau do Sul Beach in NatalTibau do Sul Beach - MAP 8 A fairly isolated beach, it's formed by cliffs that make it difficult to access, however the clear waters and calm open ocean make it a beautiful destination.  The beach is located in the small city of Tibau, roughly 88 km south of Natal.   The area offers visitors great ocean views filled with numerous fishing boats.    Another popular local body of water is the Guaraíra Lagoon, which is o...
Touros BeachTouros Beach - MAP 8 This historic beach is just over 100 km north of downtown Natal making it a day trip destination.  Accessed via the BR 101, the beach is located in the city of Touros, which sheltered the first Portuguese settlers on this coast.  Dating back to 1501, the landmark of Touros is a national historic site now.   Touros Beach, besides from being a fun destination is extremely beautiful, with a landscape full of cocon...
Via Costeira in NatalVia Costeira Beach - MAP 8 This urban beach is a continuation of the Ponta Negra Beach, and extends into an area where the most luxury and fancy hotels of the city can be found, including Vila do Mar Hotel and Imira Plaza Hotel.  It is a calm beach and generally visited only by the guests of the near by hotels.  The Coastal Highway is almost 10 km long and travelers enjoy the beauty of Parque das Dunas on one side, and the ocean view on the other alo...
Zumbi Beach in NatalZumbi Beach - MAP 8 In the city of Rio do Fogo, north of Natal, we find Zumbi Beach with its wild beauty, and typical fishing village settings.  The area is great for fishing and hence the fishing village, but has limited infrastructure making it more of a place to relax without the busy streets or beaches typical in urban settings.  Because of the serenity, it's been a great location for the Termas Center Spa, which is located here and of...