Maragogi

The galés de Maragogi are reef flats lying about six kilometres offshore inside the Costa dos Corais protected area, the largest marine protected area on the Brazilian coast, and they only work at low tide, when the water over them drops to a couple of metres and the reef becomes a set of clear pools. Catamarans run out on a schedule dictated by the tables rather than by the day, which means departures can be early morning or midday depending on the date. Visibility is usually good and there are reef fish, corals and occasionally turtles. On the mainland the coast is a long strip of coconut palms and calm reef-sheltered beaches, with a resort development that has grown quickly in the last two decades.

What you actually see

• Reef pools six kilometres out - open only around low tide.
• A tide-set timetable - departures fixed by the tables, not by convenience.
• Corals and reef fish - good visibility on calm days, sometimes turtles.
• A coconut coast - reef-sheltered beaches running along the mainland.

When to go

September to March. Two days, allowing for tide timing.

Honest expectations

Trips cancel in rough weather and run only on suitable tides, so allow a spare day. Boats are crowded and there is no shade on the reef. Fish feeding is restricted inside the protected area. Book directly rather than through beach sellers.

Nearby

Sao Miguel dos Milagres is south; Porto de Galinhas is north in Pernambuco.