sandbank · Japaratinga, AL
Croa de São Bento
A sandbank that appears in the middle of the sea at low tide, just over a kilometer from the coast. It becomes a temporary island of warm, shallow water.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Croa de São Bento
The Croa de São Bento is a sandbank surrounded by natural pools that emerges from the sea when the tide is very low. It lies off the village of São Bento, on the south coast of Maragogi, near the border with Japaratinga, within the Costa dos Corais Environmental Protection Area.
At high tide, the spot is underwater. When the water drops, a strip of white sand appears in the middle of the sea, surrounded by warm, shallow, clear water. You can walk on the sandbank, float and snorkel in the pools among the corals, where you can see colorful fish.
Access is only by jangada, the region's traditional raft, which leaves from the beach in the village of São Bento. Speedboats and catamarans don't go there, and each jangada carries only a few passengers, which keeps the sandbank much less crowded than other natural pools in Maragogi.
The trip is relaxed and works for families with children: boarding is done in shallow water, and you don't need to know how to swim to stay on the sandy part. Since it is an environmental protection area, you must not step on the corals, feed the fish or leave trash.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
The jangada trip usually takes two to three hours, including the ride out, the ride back and the time on the sandbank.
Best time
On days with very low tides, ideally between December and March, when the sea is calmer and clearer; from April to August it rains more and the water is often murky.
How to get there
The croa (sandbank) lies in the sea off the village of São Bento, in southern Maragogi, a few kilometers from downtown Japaratinga on the AL-101 highway. By car or taxi, go to São Bento beach, where the local association's jangadas (rafts) leave from; the crossing takes about 20 minutes.
Tip
Check the tide table first and book the trip in advance in high season: departures only happen when the tide is very low, and the time changes every day.
A look at the place
Croa de São Bento in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Croa de São Bento
Is the Croa de São Bento in Japaratinga or Maragogi?
It lies in the sea off the village of São Bento, in southern Maragogi, near the border with Japaratinga. If you are staying in Japaratinga, it is a few minutes away by car.
Can I go to the Croa de São Bento without a tour?
No. Access is only by jangada (raft), hired on São Bento beach. Don't try to swim or walk there on your own.
What is the best tide for the Croa de São Bento?
The trip depends on a very low tide; the closer to zero, the better. Check the tide table and agree on the time with the jangada operators.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Not to stay on the sandbank, which has shallow water. To snorkel in the deeper pools, wear a life vest or stay close to the guide.
Can I bring food and drinks?
No. It is an environmental protection area: eating, drinking and leaving trash on the sandbank are forbidden, as are stepping on the corals and feeding the fish.