Maracaípe seahorses: jangada boat ride and responsible viewing

The Maracaípe River estuary, at Pontal de Maracaípe, is one of the best-known places in Brazil to see seahorses in the wild. According to Ipojuca City Hall (Ipojuca is the municipality that Porto de Galinhas belongs to), it is one of the rare places in the country where this is possible in their natural habitat. You watch them from a jangada, a traditional raft boat, on a ride along the river and through the mangroves.

The animal

The species monitored on Pernambuco’s southern coast is Hippocampus reidi, the longsnout seahorse. In April 2022, a publication by the Suape Complex about the work of the Instituto Hippocampus described the species as endangered. Projeto Hippocampus researches Brazilian seahorses and records three species in the country: H. reidi, H. patagonicus and H. erectus.

A December 2021 report in the newspaper O Povo said the institute releases lab-raised young seahorses into local estuaries, including the Maracaípe River, and that pressure from tourism is one of the threats to the local population. Release figures vary between sources and are not reproduced here.

How the ride works

Rides leave from Pontal de Maracaípe on jangadas steered by jangadeiros (raft boatmen) from the local community. Ipojuca City Hall lists the jangada rides at the Pontal as one of the beach’s activities. In July 2017, Folha de Pernambuco reported that around 40 jangadeiro families relied on seahorse watching as a source of income.

Duration, price and times vary and were not found in any official source. Confirm everything directly with the jangadeiros at the Pontal before you board. There is no such thing as a guaranteed sighting: these are wild animals.

Protected area

The estuary is part of the Sirinhaém and Maracaípe Rivers Estuarine Environmental Protection Area (APA Estuarina), a state conservation unit created in 1986, managed by the state environmental agency CPRH and covered in mangrove forest. In 2017, the municipality created by decree a Municipal Natural Park of just over 15 hectares of mangrove next to the Pontal, with plans for visitor rules and monitoring of the rides, according to Folha de Pernambuco.

Who it suits

Families: children usually enjoy the viewing; keep everyone seated and supervised.
Nature lovers: it is a short, calm ride through the mangroves.
Photographers: the late-afternoon light at the Pontal helps, but keep your distance from the animals.

When to go

Conditions in the estuary change with the tide. Ask the jangadeiros about the best time of day and check the forecast in the Porto de Galinhas tide table.

How to fit it into your itinerary

Take the ride in the late afternoon and stay for sunset at the Pontal. It pairs well with an afternoon on Maracaípe Beach. If you enjoy nature outings, see also Porto de Galinhas tours.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see seahorses near Porto de Galinhas?

In the Maracaípe River estuary, at Pontal de Maracaípe, south of the village. Ipojuca City Hall says the Pontal is one of the rare places in Brazil where you can see seahorses in their natural habitat.

Which seahorse species lives in Maracaípe?

The species monitored in the area is Hippocampus reidi, the longsnout seahorse, described as endangered in a publication by the Suape Complex with the Instituto Hippocampus.

Am I guaranteed to see seahorses on the ride?

No. They are wild animals, and sightings depend on the tide, the water and whether the animals are around that day. Be wary of anyone promising a guaranteed sighting.

Can I hold a seahorse for a photo?

It is not recommended. They are small, fragile animals, and handling stresses them. Watch up close without touching, and choose operators who do not take the animals out of the water.

Maracaípe Seahorses