Type: Relaxed / Waves: Small / Water: Excellent (October thru April) / Swim Suits: Required / Food: $$ Maragogi is the gateway to 130 kilometers of contiguous tropical reefs that form a spectacular lagoon along the 22 miles of sand that make up this municipality situated between Recife and Maceio, two state capitols. Its warm transparent waters form pools along the reef at low tide; such as the celebrated Gales where tourists can swim with multicolored tropical fish as if they were in an aquarium. Snorkeling and scuba diving are just some of the many sports practiced both along the lagoon and ocean sides of the reef. Sailing and fishing or just taking a ride on the novel local sailing rafts called 'jangadas' are easy to arrange. Also, wind surfing is very popular.
But for most tourists, the leisurely walks, shelling along the hard packed dazzling sands of its many virtually deserted beaches are the most memorable part of a restful and unique vacation experience. Maragogi, the second most active tourist destination in the State of Alagoas, has a wide variety of accommodations from all inclusive resorts to small guest houses and elegant pousadas (inns) on deserted beaches. There is something for every taste and pocket book. The busy waterfront in the City of Maragogi has a variety of restaurants, stores and stalls selling local arts and crafts as well as excursions to the Gal?and other water activities.
The tourist season reaches its peak in January and Carnival time, but the climate is superb between October and April. - Happy beach combing! - Connected by good roads from Recife and Maceio, the area is not as off the beaten track as it might seem and the quality of its services is improving rapidly. More information on every aspect of this unique jewel in the crown of Brazilian beaches can be found in the Portuguese language site Maragogi.com. / Article by © Bruce Jay