Maracaípe, the house of seahorses

The Maracaípe Beach is one of the most beautiful places on the southern litoral of Pernambuco, and it's located next to the beach of Porto de Galinhas. Because it has no reefs, the beach has many waves and is a perfect spot for surfers. Bathing there is possible, just not recommended for children or the elderly. The beauty of the beach with its coconut trees and the color of the sea is just stunning. Besides, the beach is a bit far from the city, thus offering a wilder landscape. But what attracts many people to the region is the raft ride along the Maracaipe River, which goes to the "Pontal de Maracaipe." It is a place where the sea meets the river, and you can find exotic seahorses.

Meeting the seahorses

The raft ride is one of those tours that everyone does; its main attraction is to see the seahorses in their natural habitat. The little boat goes through the river, and you can be in touch with the environment around the mangrove. Of course, the seahorses are hidden in logs at the mouth of the river, but the tour guides already know more or less where to find them. They normally dive to catch one or two and show it to their audience- don't worry, the sailor puts the animals back to the water without hurting them. This trip is not too expensive, costing not more than 20 reais (or so 5 euros). The tour ends at the "Pontal de Maracaípe" (or Maracaípe peninsula), precisely at the meeting of the river with the sea, one of the greatest charms of the place. 

Pontal de Maracaípe and the sunset

The “Pontal” is a unique place, not only for its landscape but also for the number of sensations it awakens once there. It is the meeting point between the river and the sea. There, a giant sand island is formed, usually covered with hot waters. This meeting place is very peaceful, creating a space with lots of sand and calm and clear waters, perfect for children. As the area has some tents, it is possible to enjoy a sunny day there for a reasonable amount of money. Although, if you just want to stay on your own, it is possible too. Just don't forget your sunscreen and stay hydrated. 

But if you go to the Pontal, please wait until the sunset time (usually, around 17h, local time). No doubt, it is one of the prettiest things in all State of Pernambuco. There is a perfect harmony between the color of the sun, the sounds of the waves and the smell of the ocean. Maracaípe is a magical place to visit, and I would recommend it to everyone.  

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!