Santo Aleixo Island
R$$Santo Aleixo Island is in Sirinhaém (PE), 2.6 km from the beach at Barra de Sirinhaém and about 35 to 40 km from Porto de Galinhas. It is an island of volcanic origin, about 30 hectares in size, with light-sand beaches and natural pools. Visits are made on a one-day speedboat tour departing from Barra de Sirinhaém.
Getting there
Boarding is on the beach at Barra de Sirinhaém, 35 to 50 minutes by car from Porto de Galinhas. The crossing by shared speedboat, for 12 to 15 people, takes 10 to 15 minutes. Boats leave between 9:00 and 10:30, on a first-come, first-served basis, and return around 14:00, which gives about 5 hours on the island.
The crossing is sold by local companies in Barra de Sirinhaém, which can be booked on the spot or in advance. If you are staying in Porto de Galinhas, you can drive to the boarding point or buy the complete tour with transport from an agency in the Vila (the village center of Porto de Galinhas); in that case, the full day lasts about 7 hours.
How much it costs
Prices vary by operator and season:
- Speedboat crossing, round trip: about R$ 100 per person in September 2025, and R$ 90 to R$ 110 in January 2026. Some operators include a beach umbrella and chair.
- Children: one operator charged nothing for ages 1 to 5 and R$ 80 for ages 6 to 10 in 2025.
- Tour with private transport from Porto de Galinhas: between R$ 448 and R$ 600 for up to 4 people, depending on the agency, plus the crossing when it is not included.
- Parking in Barra de Sirinhaém: about R$ 20. Lunch on the island: a fish dish with sides cost R$ 165 in 2025.
What the island has
The main beach, called Praia da Frente or Praia dos Pernambucanos, is where the kiosks are. A short trail leads to Ferradura Beach, which is quieter, in a cove sheltered by rocks. At low tide, natural pools form among the volcanic rocks, good for snorkeling. There is a guided nature trail of 20 to 35 minutes, and squirrels are a common sight.
There are no public restrooms and no lodging. There are kiosks selling food, coconut water and caldinho (bean or seafood broth served in a cup), with beach umbrellas on the sand. The rocks get hot in the sun and the path is stony.
Why the island is different
Santo Aleixo is made of rhyolite, a volcanic rock about 100 million years old, from the Cabo Magmatic Province, according to the Geological Survey of Brazil, which classifies it as a geosite of national relevance. The island is privately owned.
When to go
The tour depends on the sea, not the tide: strong wind and high waves cancel departures, and August is the riskiest month. From September to March the weather is usually drier. At low tide the water in the pools is clearer, but more rocks show on the beach; at high tide swimming is easier. Check the tide table before booking.
What to bring
- Water, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Water shoes or sandals that can get wet, for the rocks and the trail.
- Mask and snorkel, if you have them.
- Cash or a card for the kiosks and parking.