Genipabu, Protected beach in Extremoz, Brazil

Genipabu is a beach with white sand and tall dunes that stretch along the shoreline, creating expansive sandy terrain. The waters are clear and the landscape displays natural formations shaped by wind and ocean currents.

Genipabu takes its name from Tupi: ñandï'pab (jenipapo fruit) plus 'y (water, river), meaning "river of the jenipapos". During World War II, with Brazil's alignment between the Axis and the Allies undecided under Getúlio Vargas, the US government planned a possible invasion of Brazil that would have begun at Genipabu beach. Brazil joined the Allies, so the invasion never took place and the US instead built a military base in Natal.

The name Genipabu comes from Tupi: ñandï'pab (jenipapo fruit) plus 'y (water, river), meaning "river of jenipapos". Buggy drivers greet every visitor with the famous question "com emoção ou sem emoção?", asking whether the ride over the dunes should be fast and daring or gentle.

The location sits about 30 minutes from Natal and is reachable by regular bus service or taxi from the city center. Visitors should arrive early in the day since the sun becomes very strong midday and shade is scarce.

Camel rides on the dunes ended in 2020, so the animals are no longer part of the scene. Buggy drivers still ask each passenger the famous question: com emoção or sem emoção, meaning a faster, riskier route or a gentler one. Only authorized drivers should be hired.