Buggy ride

The buggy ride is the quickest way to see several Ipojuca beaches on the same day. The most traditional route, known as ponta a ponta (end to end), links Muro Alto, in the north, to Maracaípe, in the south, according to the Porto de Galinhas Convention & Visitors Bureau. Ipojuca City Hall mentions buggy rides to Muro Alto, Cupe, Maracaípe and Serrambi.

How it works

According to the Convention & Visitors Bureau:

The Melhores Destinos guide describes the end-to-end route as a north-to-south run, from Gamboa, at the mouth of the Ipojuca River, to the mouth of the Maracaípe River, with stops at Muro Alto, Pontal do Cupe, the Maracaípe coconut grove and Pontal de Maracaípe. According to the same source, the jangada and the natural pools are not included.

The ride leaves from the village. The driver stops at the agreed beaches, and you decide how long to stay at each one within the hired duration. Longer routes usually include the southern beaches, such as Serrambi, and Pontal de Maracaípe.

How to hire

The Convention & Visitors Bureau points to three channels: through your hotel, through social media or through the Porto de Galinhas buggy drivers’ association. Whichever channel you use, check that the driver is accredited by Ipojuca City Hall.

According to Melhores Destinos, buggies must be accredited and licensed by Ipojuca City Hall and carry the sticker from their latest inspection: ask to see it. Membership in a cooperative is not mandatory, according to the same source.

In October 2018, City Hall launched the Buggy Legal campaign, to guide tourists to hire only drivers registered and regulated by the municipality. According to the NGO Férias Vivas, the campaign came out of a conduct adjustment agreement, after complaints about the safety, quality and regulation of tourist buggies, with the participation of the Pernambuco State Prosecution Service.

Price

There is no up-to-date official public price list for buggies. The price varies with the duration, the route and the season. Agree on a fixed price before setting off, including stops and waiting time. What else to check before hiring is in how to avoid tourist traps in Porto de Galinhas. To plan your trip budget, see Porto de Galinhas trip cost.

When to go

The buggy works best on a low-tide day, when reef beaches such as Muro Alto reveal their pools. Check the forecast in Porto de Galinhas tide table before booking.

Who it suits

• Travelers with only a few days who want to see several beaches at once.
• Groups of up to 4 people, who split the price.
• Families: confirm the rules for children, child seats and seat belts with the driver beforehand.

Safety tips

• Wear your seat belt for the whole trip.
• Don’t agree to ride standing up or sitting on the raised rear part of the vehicle.
• Ask to see the accredited driver’s ID.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat and water: the buggy is open and the sun is strong.
• At the beaches, follow the environmental rules: don’t step on the corals and don’t feed the fish.

How to fit it into your itinerary

Do the buggy ride on your second or third day, once you already know the village and the natural pools. A short version covers the northern beaches in the morning; the long version takes the whole day, ending at Pontal de Maracaípe at sunset.