Brazil's North-East Region
Maragogi Travel Guide
Boat out to the natural pools or relax on the white sands of Antunes beach
Maragogi, located in Alagoas, is famous for its crystal-clear waters, piscinas naturai (natural pools), and coral reefs, making it a top destination for snorkeling and diving. The area is part of the Costa dos Corais, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, and offers the opportunity to swim with a diverse variety of marine life. Maragogi's calm beaches, like Barra Grande and Antunes, make it an ideal spot for relaxation and family-friendly activities.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Maragogi
Snorkel in the Galés de Maragogi
Visit Praia de Antunes
Take a boat ride to Taocas
Relax at Barra Grande Beach
Enjoy a buggy ride along the coast
Where to stay in Maragogi
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Maragogi, or check out my personal recommendations:
Hotels
Villa Pantai Boutique Hotel Maragogi - a luxury beachfront hotel (see prices)
Árvo Boutique Hotel - beachfront villas with an outdoor pool (see prices)
Pousadas (Guesthouse)
Pousada Portal do Maragogi - beachfront guesthouse with a great breakfast (see prices)
Pousada Enero - casual beachfront guesthouse (see prices)
Ecohar Yoga (Vegetariano & Vegano) - beachfront pousada offering vegetarian meals (see prices)
Dona Maragô Pousada - budget-friendly boutique in a garden setting (see prices)
Backpacker Hostels
Maraga Beach Hostel - beachfront accommodation for backpackers (see prices)
Where is Maragogi, Brazil
Closest airport
The closest airports are located in Maceió (MCZ) or Recife (REC)
Main bus terminal
Terminal Rodoviário de Maragogi - local minivan transportation only
N/A
Main ports
How to get to Maragogi
How to get to Maragogi by Bus or Carpooling
There are generally fewer direct bus connections in the Alagoas region, compared to other coastal regions in Brazil. The carpooling service Blabla Car is commonly used in this area and can make for a cheaper and faster trip compared to travelling by bus.
How to get to Maragogi from Maceio
A minivan to Maragogi from Maceio departs from the Terminal Rodoviário de Maceió. You do not need to buy a ticket upon arrival at the terminal (you will pay the driver directly), but you do need to pay a small fee of around R$2 at the information desk in order to enter the bus terminal's departure area. Once inside the departures area, look for the minivan to Maragogi, and put your luggage in the back compartment. The fare will be collected by the driver after the minivan departs so make sure to take cash - small notes are always appreciated.
How to get to Maragogi from Recife
Reaching Maragogi from Recife is more difficult as there is not currently a direct bus (note: the Real Alagoas bus mentioned on some sites no longer runs via Maragogi).
The journey can be made cheaply if you are willing to make some transfers.
First take a local bus from Recife’s main bus terminal, Rodoviária TIP, to the city of Barreiros (2+ hours). This bus runs approximately once per hour (tickets).
Next, take a minivan from the bus station in Barreiros (Terminal Rodoviário de Barreiros - EPTI) to São Jose da Coroa Grande (1 hour).
When you arrive in Sao Jose da Coroa Grande, change to a minivan to Maragogi (30 minutes).
The minivans from Barreriso to Sao Jose, and from Sao Jose to Maragogi, both run frequently.
Blabla Car is a good alternative to taking public transport for this route.
Are there other ways to get to Maragogi?
Private transfers are also available and are a faster and easier option - however these can be quite expensive compared to making the trip independently.
How to get around Maragogi
Vans run regularly from Maragogi to other nearby beaches departing from Terminal Rodoviário de Maragogi, which is not so much a bus terminal as it is a line of vans parked on the road. Just say the name of the beach you want to go to, and the drivers will help point you to the correct van.
It costs R$3.5 (note: price may have increased in 2024) to reach Antunes Beach, one of the most iconic beaches in the area. The van also stops at Barra Grande, Ponta do Mangue, and others. To return, wait for the van where you got off and make sure to wave for it to stop.
Mototaxis are also readily available in Maragogi, you'll find them in front of the Bradesco Bank.
Things to know before you go
Maragogi beach itself is lined with tourist boats waiting to take people to the natural pools each day. The nicer beaches are located to the north of Maragogi, such as Antunes beach which has shallow, crystal clear waters, and hammocks in the ocean. There is a minivan that runs regularly between Maragogi and Antunes beach.
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