Galés de Maragogi
R$$$The Galés are natural pools formed on the coral reef barrier about 6 km off the coast of Maragogi (AL), within the APA Costa dos Corais, an environmental protection area. They can only be reached by boat, at low tide. They suit those who want to swim among fish in clear water and are up for a full day on the road from Porto.
Part of the guide Maragogi
Getting there from Porto de Galinhas
Downtown Maragogi is about 85 km from Porto de Galinhas, 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours by car on the PE-060. Boats to the Galés leave from the downtown waterfront, and the crossing takes about half an hour. Agencies in Porto sell full-day excursions with daily morning departures: in October 2026, one of them charged R$ 160 per adult for transport with a guide, with the catamaran paid separately.
Hours and admission
There are no fixed times. Departures change every day according to the tide table, and the pools only appear when the tide is below 0.5. In October 2026, the shared catamaran tour cost around R$ 130 per person and a private speedboat about R$ 600 for two hours. Since February 2025, the town government has charged an environmental fee of R$ 7 per person on boat tours, in the form of a wristband. The shared tour lasts about three hours.
What to see
At low tide, the water over the reefs is shallow and clear, with fish around the boats. The Galés lie opposite the Salinas Maragogi hotel. On some days, under a rotation set by the town government, the tour leaving from downtown goes to the Taocas pools, near the shore, instead of the Galés. Confirm which pools are included when booking.
Before you go
- A 2014 ICMBio ordinance limits visits to 720 people per day. Book in advance.
- Bringing food and drink to the pools is not allowed, except water.
- Do not touch the corals, do not feed the fish and take your trash back with you.
- At high tide there are no pools; some excursions switch to a catamaran tour along the coast.
- Since March 2026, a municipal law has banned commercial jet ski tours in Maragogi.