beach · Maragogi, AL
Barra Grande e o Caminho de Moisés
As the tide goes out, a strip of sand appears that seems to split the sea in half, nicknamed the Caminho de Moisés (Moses' Path). You can walk along it to the pools.
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 Barra Grande e o Caminho de Moisés
Barra Grande is a beach with a calm, clear sea on the north coast of Maragogi, in Alagoas. It is in a small fishing village, next to Praia de Antunes (beach), with light sand and coconut palms along the shore.
Its fame comes from the Caminho de Moisés (Moses' Path). It is a sandbank that appears when the tide is very low and seems to divide the sea in two. The name was given by locals, in reference to the Bible story in which Moses parts the Red Sea.
At the right tide, you can walk along the strip of sand out into the sea, with turquoise water on both sides. The sandbank leads to the natural pools formed over the reefs, known as the galés of Barra Grande. Even if you can't swim, you can reach them on foot. The path stays open only for a short time and disappears when the tide comes back in.
The shallow sea with no waves is good for children and for snorkeling to see fish. There are also boat trips to the pools and kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow two to three hours around the peak of low tide to walk along the sandbank and enjoy the pools.
Best time
On the days with the lowest tides, between October and March, when it rains less and the water is clearer; with the rains, between April and July, the sea gets murky.
How to get there
Barra Grande is north of downtown Maragogi, a few minutes by car. You can get there by rental car, taxi, ride-hailing app or on buggy tours that cover the beaches north of town. From Praia de Antunes, you can walk along the sand.
Tip
Check the tide table before you go: the Caminho de Moisés only appears fully on the days with the lowest tides, and it doesn't last long.
A look at the place
Barra Grande e o Caminho de Moisés 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 Barra Grande e o Caminho de Moisés
When does the Caminho de Moisés appear?
Only at low tide, on the days when it is very low. Check the tide table. When the tide is a little higher, the path only partly appears.
Where is the Caminho de Moisés?
On Praia de Barra Grande (beach), on the north coast of Maragogi (AL), next to Praia de Antunes.
How long does the Caminho de Moisés stay open?
Not long. It appears near the peak of low tide and disappears when the tide comes back in.
Do I need a boat to get to the Barra Grande pools?
Not at low tide. The sandbank leads to the pools on foot, even if you can't swim. There are also boat trips.
Do I have to pay to see the Caminho de Moisés?
No. The beach is public and walking on the sandbank is free.