Praia do Sagi, Beach in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Praia do Sagi is a beach in Rio Grande do Norte where white sand meets the ocean at the point where a local river flows into the Atlantic. The shoreline features natural dunes and nearby vegetation that frame the setting.

Baía Formosa grew from a fishing port in the state's only bay; in the 18th century the Albuquerque Maranhão family and nearby farmers used it as a summer retreat. In 1877 the "August massacre" saw João Albuquerque Maranhão, owner of Engenho Estrela, lead armed men against villagers; Francisco Magalhães and fourteen armed companions resisted, six people died, and the commander was tried. A chapel to the Immaculate Conception was built in the late 19th century, and the district, created in 1892 under Canguaretama, became a municipality in 1958 by state law 2338.

The name Baía Formosa refers to the only bay in Rio Grande do Norte, the inlet where the fishing port that founded the settlement was built. In the 18th century the area served as a summer retreat for the Albuquerque Maranhão family and farmers from nearby. A chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Conception was built in the late 19th century.

The beach is accessible by paved roads from Natal, with the drive taking roughly two hours. You will find basic facilities like food vendors and parking nearby.

The Mata Estrela reserve covers 2,039.93 hectares and was recognized by IBAMA decree no. 20 of 30 March 2000. It is the main stretch of Atlantic Forest preserved right at the seafront in Rio Grande do Norte. Within it live guaribas (howler monkeys), coatis, marmosets, armadillos and the xexéu bird, alongside pau-brasil trees and orchids.