Pipa is a small but popular beach town located on Brazil's northeastern coast. Famous for its unique beach landscapes lined with tall pink cliffs, friendly dolphins, and surf culture, Pipa is a must-visit destination for all types of travelers - from backpackers to those seeking a more luxury getaway.
Praia da Pipa is easily accessible from Natal and Recife, with public buses and private transfers available (find out how to get there). Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, boutique shops, a wide variety of local bars and restaurants.
Ready to plan your trip to Pipa? > Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Pipa > Find cheap bus tickets to Pipa > Read my full Pipa Travel Guide
Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the most of your three days in Pipa:
Day 1: Surf at Madeiro Beach, and unwind at Praia do Amor
Morning: Kick off your trip with a surf lesson at Madeiro Beach, one of Pipa’s most picturesque spots. For beginners, the gentle waves and warm waters here are perfect for learning to surf for the first time, though you'll find plenty of more experienced surfers here too. Local surf schools provide all the necessary equipment and experienced surf instructors, and often provide transport to and from Madeiro for your lesson. Aside from being an ideal surf beach, Madeiro is a beautiful place to relax.
Afternoon: After your surf lesson, grab lunch, then head to Praia do Amor (Love Beach), famous for its heart-shaped bay. Coffee Burguer is a great local lunch spot serving Brazilian food at a reasonable price, or grab a snack down on the beach.
This beach is perfect for relaxing under the shade of a palm tree, sipping a cold coconut, and admiring the views of cliffs above. Local vendors offer cold drinks and snacks, making it easy to spend the entire afternoon here. You can also rent a surfboard, though the surf at this beach is more challenging than at Madeiro.
Evening: End your day by watching the sunset from the cliffs at Chapadão, where you can see panoramic views of Pipa’s coastline. Afterwards, head to dinner in town. One of my favourite restaurants for a sit down meal is Tapas, or try home-made pasta at La Dolce Vida. If you want something quick and easy, the best burger for a quick takeaway is from Food Truck Ilegal.
Day 2: Explore Praia da Pipa and surrounding beaches on a full-day buggy tour
Full day trip: Embark on a full-day buggy adventure, a quintessential Pipa experience and a great way to see many of Pipa's best beaches and sites in one day. Depending on the tour you choose, your Praia da Pipa buggy tour itinerary may include the following stops:
Chapadão Cliffs: Enjoy panoramic views of Pipa’s coastline.
Praia das Minas: A serene beach known for its turtle nesting sites.
Sibaúma Beach and Lagoon: A peaceful spot where you can relax by the lagoon or take a swim in the ocean to cool off.
Barra do Cunhaú: Accessible via a short ferry ride, this beach features calm waters and is another ideal swimming spot.
Lagoa da Coca-Cola: Known for its unique reddish-brown water that gives it its name, this lagoon is a must-visit.
Sagi: A remote beach village near the border with Paraíba state, where you can visit the northern mirante (viewpoint).
If you choose the longest tour, the day will culminate in a visit to Sagi and a return to Pipa after sunset. Whichever route you select, the tour promises to provide you unforgettable scenery and plenty of stops to swim and take photos along the way.
Evening: After your tour, head back to town to enjoy dinner at one of Pipa’s local restaurants, or check out the local nightlife. BarGunca de Vicente serves great cocktails, often accompanied by live music. Or if you're feeling like a dance, Taipa has live music most days, alternating the genre each day of the week.
Day 3: See wild dolphins at Baía dos Golfinhos and explore the Eco-Sanctuary
Morning: Begin your final day with a trip to Baía dos Golfinhos (Dolphin Bay). Accessible only during low tide, this beach is famous for its friendly dolphins that frequently swim close to shore. Whether you choose to swim or surf, if you're lucky you’ll have a chance to see the wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
Though boats are not allowed in Baia dos Golfinhos, as it is a protected bay, it is also possible to take speed boat trips around other areas of Pipa to see dolphins up close.
Make sure to check the tide times and change the timing of this activity accordingly.
Afternoon: After your time at Baía dos Golfinhos, visit the nearby Santuário Ecológico de Pipa (Pipa Eco-Sanctuary). This protected area features a network of trails that wind through the Atlantic forest, offering views of the coastline and opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys and birds, and a chance to learn about the local ecosystem.
On your way back to town, don't forget to swing by Preciosa for the best artisanal ice-cream in Pipa, with flavours that change daily.
Evening: As the day winds down, head back to Praia do Centro to watch the sunset from one of the beachside bars. Orishas offers a relaxed atmosphere with tables on the sand, while Abacate is a bit more upscale and often features live music. Both are perfect spots to enjoy a cold beer or a caipirinha as the sky turns orange.
Short on time but still want to visit Praia da Pipa? > Book a day trip to Pipa from Natal
Tips for Your Trip
Plan Around the Tides: Many of Pipa’s beaches, including Baía dos Golfinhos, are best visited during low tide. You must make sure to return before the tide rises, or you could find yourself stranded. Check the tide schedules to plan your activities.
Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Pipa is located within Brazil's Caatinga biome, a semi-arid tropical region, but its proximity to the coast gives it a more humid, tropical climate - meaning it's hot all year round. Protect your skin and the environment by choosing reef-safe sunscreen.
Respect Nature: Pipa is home to fragile ecosystems, so always follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid disturbing local wildlife.
With its unique beaches surrounded by bright pink cliffs, adventure activities, and special wildlife encounters, Pipa promises to be an unforgettable trip.
Ready to plan your trip to Pipa? See my full Pipa Travel Guide.
What was your favorite experience in Pipa? Let me know in the comments below!
Comments