From the wheel of your buggy, discover immense sand dunes and endless beaches that stretch from Rio Grande do Norte to Ceará !

What do you say to exploring, at your own pace, a sumptuous, wild and off the beaten track coastline on your holidays in Brazil? Our tour  between Natal and Fortaleza allows you to do exactly that. In 3 seaside stages it lasts a minimum of 4 nights.

In a buggy with a driver, (there is the fun option of driving yourself, contact us for details) or in a 4X4 with driver for more comfort, you will follow the ocean along the most beautiful beaches of the region. Mile after mile of wild and preserved landscape, dotted from time to time by small huts and jangadas – the local fishing boats. Each stage of the tour is a chance to discover the traditional fishing villages of Canoa Quebrada, Galinhos or São Miguel de Gostoso, where time seems to just stand still.

Experience a  tour in the North-East of Brazil, which combines adventure and natural beauty with comfortable stops in authentic places for real relaxation!

In our Fortaleza to Natal Tour
visit: 

The relaxing and lively Canoa Quebrada
The enchanting fishing town of Galinhos
The village of São Miguel do Gostoso
The magnificent deserted beaches of Nordeste

Map of North East Brazil.

Fortaleza to Natal – Itinerary at a glance

• A transfer from the airport to the hotel in Fortaleza
• 4 days excursion in a buggy with chauffeur from Fortaleza to Natal and drop off at the airport in Natal
• 1 hotel night in a double room with a sea view in Fortaleza
• 1 hotel night in a double room in Canoa Quebrada
• 1 night in a double room at the pousada Amagali in Galinhos
• 1 night in a double room at the pousada dos Ponteiros in Sao Miguel do Gostoso

Explore the untouched, paradisical landscapes between Fortaleza and Natal

Still not exploited by tourism, the coastline between the states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte is a sanctuary of giant dunes and chiselled seaside cliffs.

This area is virtually unknown to foreign tourists but is popular with Brazilians on vacation. With few inhabitants, there are only a few main roads in the area and you will travel mainly along the beaches or on sand or dirt tracks that form a labyrinth known only to natives.

On this kind of terrain, buggy and 4×4 vehicles are the most practical and exciting ways to explore the coast. They also offer complete safety and peace of mind. These vehicles allow you to go where others can’t, to easily access and visit every corner of this coastline renowned for its beautiful and hidden wild landscapes. A guide is essential and whether in a 4X4 with your driver or a “self drive” buggy, you will always be accompanied so you won’t have to worry about getting lost in this maze of tracks.

Each day is a new adventure in your all terrain vehicle and you will drive through some superb desert sand dunes, along the immense deserted beaches worthy of the prettiest picture postcards, and follow impressive red cliffs along the turquoise blue of the Atlantic Ocean.

Leaving behind the noisy towns, you will appreciate the peace and quiet that comes with this preserved environment and take the time to swim in the calm tropical waters. The only way to cross the estuaries or bays is by small ferry which will add a contemplative and picturesque pause in your tour from time to time. It is also a chance to meet and exchange with the natives that live along the coastline.

Depending on your wishes or for logistical reasons (flights, itineraries etc…) you can do this tour in either direction, From east to west starting from Natal and going to Fortaleza or the opposite leaving Fortaleza and going east to Natal. Normally, it costs slightly more when leaving from Natal as the hotels there are a little more expensive. It’s entirely your choice !

Tourist driven buggy speeding towards Canoa Quebrada!

Enjoy peaceful and relaxing seaside stops

Throughout the trip and along the stages of this tour – Canoa Quebrada, Galinhos and São Miguel do Gostoso – you will stay in comfortable pousadas located in traditional fishing villages.

This tour is a unique opportunity to discover the traditional ways of life here that haven’t changed in decades, as if frozen in time. The spectacle of the valiant fishermen daily braving the waves on their elegantly handled skiffs is characteristic of this region and you will come across it regularly. The treasures of the ocean that they bring back every day will be served in delicious local recipes. In this region, only the freshest fish and lobster will be on your plate.

Picture sitting in the shade of the palm trees, small huts along the beach with a golden reflection in the sun. At sea, the jangadas – these very light fishing boats with triangular sails – seem to be playing and surfing on the waves. In the small village streets, the women are sitting on the porches of their houses sewing and chatting in the shade of the coloured walls and children are playing and laughing… A simple life, full of smiles. A refreshing and calm atmosphere miles away from your everyday life.

Galinhos and São Miguel are the smallest villages with just a few houses and no visitors where you will see this traditional way of life everywhere. Canoa Quebrada is slightly different. Revealed to the world by a New Wave of film makers captivated by its ocher cliffs and imposing sand dunes, this village has earned a certain reputation and has become a small seaside resort whilst managing to keep its charm and relaxed way of life. Here you will find most necessities as well as gift shops and local handicrafts.
In “Canoa” as soon as the sun sets, it’s time to party! The evening is a good chance to taste one of the delicious fish dishes in the restaurants on “Broadway” the pedestrian street that crosses the whole village. It is also the centre of nightlife in Canoa Quebrada, where you can relax and enjoy a “coco verde” or something stronger like a “cachaça.” After this you can go and dance until late in the night to the captivating rythms of Forró, Samba and Reggae!

Jangadas on the beach, on the coast of Nordeste.

Customize your tour by extending your stay in any of these locations

On request, you can add one or more days to your tour between Fortaleza and Natal.

This option is ideal for “lazy” moments in the breathtaking destinations of Canoa Quebrada, São Miguel de Gostoso and Galinhos. This option was born from the fact that a lot of visitors who visit these villages never want to leave!

An exquisite view of the sea and the lighthouse in the sunset at Galinhos.

Fortaleza to Natal tour – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Fortaleza in

Arrival of your flight at the international airport in Fortaleza.

Pick up and transfer  of 20 mins to arrive at the sea front and your hotel, check-in.

Fortaleza is the capital of Ceará. With 2 million inhabitants it has grown very rapidly since the 1980s. At night you can go out and enjoy the bars or lively parties, moving to the rhythm of the local music Forrò and Samba. Fortaleza is where relaxing beach life and bustling city life becomes one!

Night at the Sonata or Gran Marquise hotel.

A buggy speeding along the beach with ocher cliffs in the background.

Day 2 : Fortaleza/Canoa Quebrada

Brazilian style buffet breakfast at your hotel.

Morning, A driver will collect you with your chosen vehicle (buggy or 4X4) in front of your hotel to go to Canoa Quebrada,  departure time depends on the tides.

Note: there is the option of driving your own buggy with a guide following in a seperate buggy. Contact us for more details.

The adventure starts now, leaving the city beaches behind and heading for the wild coast. You will set off for Prainha, the first beach along the south east coast of Fortaleza (about 40 mins away). On arrival in Prainha you will join the coastline and start your drive along the immense beaches. It’s a magical setting, with the waves lapping the shore, the fine sandy beaches and red cliffs sculpted by the winds.

Along the way you can stop whenever you wish to enjoy a swim in the ocean or take photos of the amazing views, total freedom! From time to time a small ferry will take you across the rivers and other waterways that end their journeys at the sea. You will pass through the fishing villages of Iguape, Caponga and Barra Nova. Lunch stop suggested at Morro Branco (about 1hr30 to 2hrs).

Afternoon, set off again towards Canoa Quebrada, driving along the coastline for another 1hr.30 to reach the famous little village.

Arrival and check-in at the hotel Aruana, Long Beach or Vila Selvagem.

Night at the hotel.

Jangadas on the sunsplashed beach.

Canoa Quebrada on a windy day.

Day 3 : Canoa Quebrada/Galinhos

Brazilian buffet breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, your driver awaits to take you on another adventure along the beaches in your chosen vehicle. The day’s stop is the small village of Galinhos.

You will pass by Majorlandia village then the little hamlet of Ponta do Mel. Then on to the Ponta Grossa beach and its incredible and imposing cliffs.

On the beach at Ponta Grossa, the rocks are of three colours : dark yellow at the top, white in the middle and brown at the bottom. There are sculptures emerging from these rocks like fingers or hands emerging from the earth. We suggest lunch in the village of Redonda or the small town of Icapui.

Afternoon, you will cross the Tibau beach to get to the charming little village of Galinhos. Depending on the tide, you may need to cross by boat.

A perfectly isolated place where you feel you are at the “end of the world” and  where you can spend the night in a truly peaceful setting. For those staying a few days, the natural pools and crystal clear waters are easy to reach on the Ponta do Farol beach.

Check-in and night at the Amagali pousada.

An interesting picture of the multi-coloured cliffs.

Two brightly painted Jangads on a Nordeste beach.

Day 4 : Galinhos/São Miguel do Gostoso

Brazilian style buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Departure by vehicle towards São Miguel do Gostoso.

During this trip you will drive through the wild dunes and Caatinga, the local vegetation. At the beginning you will drive along the Galos beach before continuing to São Bento do Norte, then you will see the windmills around the village of Cauan before arriving at your destination in the small town of São Miguel do Gostoso.

Arrival in the Gostoso bay and check-in and night at the pousada dos Ponteiros.

Buggys getting ready to cross a lagoon by ferry.

Day 5 : São Miguel do Gostoso /Natal

Breakfast, Brazilian style at the hotel.

You then continue your adventure along the Rio Grande do Norte beaches to reach Natal, final destination of this tour.

After passing the little villages of São Jose and Cajueiro, you will pass close to the beginning of the BR101, the national road that follows the Brazilian coast for 4775 kms ! You will then reach the Cabo de São Roque lighthouse which is the closest point of Brazil to the African continent. The small coves lined with coconut trees are a popular holiday picture opportunity!

Here you can really take in the turquoise ocean and sandy beaches dotted with little huts. Watch as hardworking fishermen launch their nets out to sea, hoping to bring home a fine catch. Then you enter the Dunes Touristic Park, your driver will then show you how he can really handle his vehicle and drive on the dunes in a roller-coaster like experience !

This adventure along the beaches comes to an end when you arrive at the Genipabu lagoon. Here you will say goodbye to the beaches and drive into Natal.

In Natal, your chauffeur will drop you off at the hotel of your choice or the airport.

End of our services.

A long and deserted beach in Nordeste.

The last beach on the coast before Natal.

Fortaleza to Natal Tour – Accommodation

Hotel Sonata de Iracema (Standard)

The Sonata hotel is on the Iracema beach, the nicest quarter in Fortaleza. It is definitely one of the best value for money stays in town.
All rooms are spacious, bright and have an ocean view. It is on the beach so you can walk to the restaurants and the famous Dragão do Mar centre, where there is a concentration of lively nightlife!

Double room in hotel Sonata Iracema.

Gran Marquise (Superior)

The Gran Marquise hotel is simply the best address in Fortaleza in terms of prestige and service quality. The pleasant rooms are well decorated and have all been recently refurbished, giving the best comfort in town.

It is well located on the sea front with good restaurants nearby, for the traveller wanting a luxury stay.

Luxury room with ocean view in the hotel Gran Marquise.

Pousada Aruanã (Standard)

The Aruanã pousada is about 10mins on foot from the main street in Canoa. It has 20 rooms and is excellent value for money.

Its pool has a wet bar and some bedrooms have an ocean view from their balcony.

Spacious double room in pousada Aruanã.

Pousada Village Long Beach (Superior –  2 nights min.)

The Long Beach hotel is the best option in Canoa Quebrada, with a wing of 20 luxury suites. It is located 10 mins from Broadway, the main street in town.

The bedrooms are spacious and comfortable and there are 2 pools. A perfect place for a romantic stay in the bungalows with private terraces.

Balcony looking out on the pool at pousada village long beach.

Hotel Vila Selvagem (Superior-  2 nights min.)

This is definitely one of the most beautiful pousadas in Cearã. Its decor is  elegantly refined and the bungalows are especially spacious and comfortable.

It is located on the beach in a paradise setting 45mins from Canoa Quebrada, in the small village of Pontal de Maceio, on the road to Fortaleza.

The beautifully lit hotel vila selvagem.

Galinhos – Pousada Amagali (Standard & Superior)

The Amagali pousada is found on the ocean front on the Galinhos peninsula.

This plain but comfortable pousada has been decorated with a combination of local and modern materials giving it a plain and simple charm.

There are 16 rooms and 2 chalets that are ideal for couples.

Double room in the pousada Amagali.

Pousada Dos Ponteiros

The Dos Ponteiros pousada is a charming place set in lush greenery, between the coconut trees and the beach.

There are 18 chalets that are spacious and tastefully decorated facing the ocean. A relaxing stop for the end of your buggy adventure.

A nicely decorated room in the pousada dos ponteiros.

Double room prices – The following price examples are calculated as follows :

  • A Standard category room based on a 4X4 with chauffeur (for 2 or 4pers)
  • A Superior category room based on a buggy with chauffeur for 2 persons i.e. 2 buggys + 2 chauffeurs for 4 persons
  • For self drivers we have planned a buggy for 2 persons and added a buggy with a guide that shows the way (ask us for a price)
Catégorie standard : Base 2 personnes 1311$ /pers Base 4 personnes 1256$ /pers
Catégorie supérieure : Base 2 personnes 1500$ /pers Base 4 personnes 1500$ /pers

Prix basse saison de l'année en cours, donnés à titre indicatif et ne valant pas devis

Other tours along the Nordeste coastline

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