Sea safety in Porto de Galinhas

The sea varies a lot between the beaches of Porto de Galinhas. In the natural pools, the water is shallow at low tide, but it rises again; at Cupe and Maracaípe, the waves are strong. Respecting signs, flags and lifeguards is the first rule for any swim.

Cupe and Maracaípe

Cupe Beach has strong waves and areas unsuitable for swimming, with a risk of drowning, marked by signs. The Ipojuca city government asks swimmers to respect the red flags and the lifeguards' instructions. In 2022, lifeguards were on duty from 8:00 to 17:00, at 12 stations at the highest-risk points of Cupe.

Maracaípe is open sea, with a strong and constant swell, and is not recommended for babies or very young children.

In the natural pools

Respect the areas marked off with rope and wear sandals or flip-flops to protect your feet from coral and sea urchins. Do not step on or touch the coral, do not feed the fish, so as not to upset the balance of the environment, and take your trash with you. Choose biodegradable sunscreen, recommended to protect the reefs and marine life. Keep an eye on the time: if the tide starts to rise while you are in the pools, you need to be able to swim back safely. Before you go, check the tide table.