Carneiros Beach

Carneiros Beach (Praia dos Carneiros) is in Tamandaré, on Pernambuco’s southern coast, outside Ipojuca, the municipality Porto de Galinhas belongs to. It is famous for the small 18th-century São Benedito chapel, almost at the water’s edge and surrounded by coconut palms. If you are staying in Porto de Galinhas, it is one of the most popular day trips.

Where it is and how to get there

According to Wikipedia, Carneiros is about 113 km from Recife and 90 km from the airport (REC). The distance from Porto de Galinhas was not confirmed by an official source; the route follows the southern coast on state highways. The visitor guide for the Costa dos Corais protected area, from ICMBio (Brazil’s federal conservation agency), mentions access to the Tamandaré area via the PE-060 and PE-076 highways, with the turnoff near Rio Formoso.

Wikipedia lists three ways to reach the sand:

• by land, crossing private properties, where large restaurants charge a minimum spend;
• by boat, on trips along the Formoso River;
• on foot, walking about 7 km along the sand from Tamandaré Beach.

Agencies in Porto de Galinhas sell the trip with transportation. Prices and conditions vary by operator; confirm everything beforehand. See other beach options outside the village in beaches near Porto de Galinhas.

What the beach is like

The landscape is shaped by the Formoso River estuary and a reef barrier that forms natural pools at low tide. Wikipedia describes light, fine sand, tall coconut palms and calm, warm water. Boat trips include sandbanks, natural pools and mud-bath spots.

The São Benedito chapel is the beach’s postcard image and hosts weddings and baptisms.

Protected area

Carneiros is inside the Costa dos Corais Environmental Protection Area (APA Costa dos Corais), the largest coastal marine conservation unit in Brazil, managed by ICMBio, between Tamandaré (Pernambuco) and Maceió (Alagoas). In 2025, a federal decree expanded its boundaries. The area also overlaps the Guadalupe Environmental Protection Area, a state unit managed by CPRH.

According to the ICMBio visitor guide, the agency charges no fee to visit the protected area, and only authorized companies may run certain activities, such as snorkeling in the natural pools.

When to go

ICMBio points to summer as the best period, with less rain and clearer water. Wikipedia suggests September to February as the best window, with June as the rainiest month. On the day itself, low tide matters most; check the forecast in the Porto de Galinhas tide table.

Who it suits

• Couples: the chapel and the scenery make Carneiros one of the most romantic outings in the region.
• Families: the calm water helps; check facilities and shade at the access point you choose.
• Travelers with at least four days in Porto de Galinhas.

Environmental and safety tips

• Do not step on the coral and do not feed the fish.
• Book sea outings only with authorized operators.
• Respect the chapel and the ceremonies held there.
• On boats, wear a life jacket.

How to fit it into your itinerary

Carneiros needs a full day. Leave early to catch the morning low tide and return to Porto de Galinhas in the late afternoon. It fits well into the 4-day itinerary.