Low-tide natural pools, warm reefs, and easy boat access on Brazil's Coral Coast
Currently Viewing:
Overview
Maragogi is the headline stop on Alagoas' Costa dos Corais: a protected reef coast where shallow coral formations trap turquoise lagoons at low tide. Most underwater time here is about timing rather than distance. Pick the right tide window and you get calm snorkeling over living coral, plus beginner-friendly boat dives on the reef line. Beyond the water, Maragogi is a beach-hopping base between Recife and Maceio, with easy side trips to fishing villages, mangroves, and river wildlife experiences. Because visitation is regulated, the best plan is simple: check the tide table, book with an authorized operator, and treat the reef like a museum: look, do not touch.
Maragogi is built around reef-protected "piscinas naturais" (natural pools) that appear during low tides. The same reef line also supports shallow scuba sites that are great for refreshers, first dives, and relaxed photography.
Plan around the tide tables, go with an authorized operator, and treat the reef like a museum: look, do not touch.
Beach mornings, pool departures around low tide, then late-afternoon food stops in Sao Bento or the town center. Add a mangrove or river trip on a non-diving day.
Trip callouts
Maragogi sits inside the APA Costa dos Corais, with public-use planning and specific zoning for natural pools and dive activities.
DiveJourney destination guides are living documents built from local knowledge, operator experience, and publicly available sources. Conditions, regulations, and logistics can change. Each guide shows its last update date and sources used.
Last updated: January 23, 2026 • 14 sources
If you see something inaccurate or outdated, you can submit an update. This is how the platform improves.
Low tides unlock the signature experience: shallow, glassy lagoons over coral and sand patches for easy snorkeling.
Many dives are shallow (often within 4 m to 15 m) with short boat rides and guided entries.
You can reach Maragogi via Recife (REC) or Maceio (MCZ), then drive a similar distance to the coast.
scuba
Why Maragogi for Scuba Diving
Maragogi is a warm-water, shallow-reef destination where the reef line sits close to shore and most dives are done by small boats. Operators like Pro Dive run beginner programs and certified diver outings on the coral barrier in front of Ponta de Mangue and Peroba, with many dives staying in the 6 m to 15 m range. The big win is comfort: short rides, mellow profiles, and plenty of time to practice buoyancy over coral structure while staying within managed rules for reef protection.
freedive
Why Maragogi for Freediving
Maragogi's best freediving days look a lot like its best snorkeling days: very low tides, light wind, and clear water. The reef line creates sheltered areas for relaxed technique work, while named reef points like Canal and Veleiro give structure for short, guided drops. For safety and compliance, treat this as an operator-supported activity. The same zoning and wildlife rules that govern snorkeling and scuba apply to freedivers too.
snorkel
Why Maragogi for Snorkeling
Maragogi is one of Brazil's most tide-dependent snorkel destinations. At low tide, reef formations create shallow, clear lagoons over coral and sand where you can drift above reef fish with minimal swimming effort. Tours run by lanchas and catamarans time the trip to the best tide window, and the main natural-pool zone (Gales) is capacity-managed. For families and first-timers, the experience is hard to beat, as long as you respect the reef and follow the no-feeding, no-touch rules.
topside
What to do when you're not in the water
Maragogi is a beach ladder with easy day trips. Beach-hop by buggy or car between Barra Grande, Antunes, and Xareu, then finish with seafood in Sao Bento. Add a mangrove or river day nearby, especially the Tatuamunha area for manatee-focused community tours (rules apply). If you want a longer loop, Maragogi sits between Recife and Maceio, so Porto de Galinhas, Praia dos Carneiros, and Maceio's waterfront are all realistic add-ons.
