Porto de Galinhas beach, Beach destination in Ipojuca, Brazil.
Porto de Galinhas is a beach on the Atlantic coast of Pernambuco, south of Recife, known for its natural tidal pools formed among coral reefs. The sand is light and fine, the water shifts from green to turquoise, and at low tide shallow protected areas form where visitors can safely stand and swim.
The name dates to the mid-1800s, when smugglers used the code word "chickens" to signal the arrival of enslaved people, bypassing the post-abolition ban. After slavery ended in Brazil in 1888, the fishing village grew slowly until tourism developed the area beginning in the late 20th century.
Fishermen take travelers out to the reef pools on traditional jangadas, flat wooden rafts balanced on bamboo logs, used for swimming and snorkeling trips. The craft have changed little over generations and remain part of everyday coastal life, as locals continue to rely on them for work and subsistence.
The pools are best accessed at low tide, so checking tide times in advance helps visitors experience the water at its calmest. Water shoes are helpful, as some areas can be uneven or rocky, especially when wading to deeper pools.
At low tide, visitors can walk among the reefs and observe dozens of small tropical fish gathering in the warm shallow pools without needing to dive. The water is often shallow enough to sit comfortably while fish swim around legs and feet.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Brazil's coastline stretches over 4,600 miles (7,400 kilometers), connecting tropical forests, sandbars, and several climate zones. In Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana and Ipanema draw visitors with their urban energy, while Fernando de Noronha offers bays shaped by marine life and volcanic rock. Further...
Praia de Maracaípe
1.8 km
Fort Pontael
17.5 kmChurch and Convent of Saint Antony
13.6 kmConvento de Santo Antônio
16 km
Bita e Utinga Ecological Station
16.9 km
Pontal de maracaipe pôr do sol
3.8 kmMuro Alto Beach
8.2 kmQuilombo Ilha das Mercês
1.8 kmFort Domburg
15.3 kmConvento Carmelita: ruínas e Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré
17.9 kmPorto de Galinhas
12.4 kmPraia de Maracaipe
2.4 kmForte do Pontal de Suape
16.2 kmPousada Carpe Diem
2.9 kmMergulho Aquamarina Porto de Galinhas
168 mSerrambi
10.3 kmBarra de Sirinhaém
15.9 kmPraia da Barra do Sirinhaém
14.2 kmPraia do Guaiamum
17 kmTapioca da Praia
176 mPraia do Cupe
3.5 kmSerrambi
10.6 kmPraia da Ferradura
12.3 kmMuro Alto Beach
9.8 kmSerrambi
6.5 kmSUAPE
16.1 kmLocal Isolado
17.6 kmPiscinas Naturais de Porto de Galinhas
586 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes