Cabo Branco beach

Ponta do Seixas is a beach on the Atlantic coast in João Pessoa where golden sand meets turquoise water and is framed by reddish-brown sedimentary rock formations. The cliffs form natural coves along the coastline and create sheltered areas where bathers can retreat from the surf.

The beach takes its name from pebbles that once covered parts of the shore before sand reshaped the waterline. The nearby lighthouse has marked the easternmost point of the American mainland since 1972 and helped vessels locate the coast.

Fishermen head out in their jangadas early in the morning and return in the afternoon with fish and shellfish that are sold at beachside stalls. The wooden boats lie along the waterline during the day, showing the centuries-old connection between coastal communities and the Atlantic.

Several beach bars and restaurants offer seating in the shade, while a paved path makes walking and cycling easier. Access to the water is straightforward in most places, though currents can be stronger during low tide.

Marine turtles return to nest on this beach between September and March, with conservationists marking and monitoring the nests. Visitors may notice signs and cordoned areas along the waterline during nesting season that ensure protection for the newly hatched young.