natural pool · Maragogi, AL
Galés de Maragogi
Natural pools formed over the reefs about 6 km off the coast, reached by catamaran at low tide. The water is shallow, clear and full of fish used to people.
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 Galés de Maragogi
The Galés are natural pools that form over the coral reefs out at sea, a few kilometers from the beach in Maragogi. They lie within the APA Costa dos Corais (environmental protection area), created in 1997 and expanded in 2025, one of the largest marine conservation areas in the country, stretching from Maceió to Tamandaré, in Pernambuco, with about 120 km of beaches.
At low tide, the reef sits close to the surface and the clear water lets you see corals and schools of fish. The depth ranges from one to a few meters, depending on the spot and the tide. The trip is for floating: with a mask and snorkel, you swim in the permitted areas among the reefs. If you are not a strong swimmer, you can stay in the shallower parts or on the boat. There are also scuba diving trips, with an operator that has an instructor.
Visits follow ICMBio's management plan. Only authorized boats enter, tied to moorings, the number of visitors per day is limited, and the trip only runs when the tide is low enough. It is forbidden to feed the fish, touch the wildlife or take anything from the reef, and you should avoid stepping on the corals.
Because it depends on the tide, the departure time changes every day, and on days when the tide is too high there is no trip. On top of what you pay the operator, the town charges an environmental fee on boat trips, known as the pulseira (wristband).
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About two hours, including the boat ride and the time in the pool.
Best time
Low-tide days, checked on the tide table. With the sun high, the water is clearer.
How to get there
Only by authorized catamaran or speedboat, leaving from the Maragogi waterfront. Trips are booked with the town's tour operators or through your accommodation.
Tip
Check the Navy's tide table before booking: the time, and whether the boat leaves at all, depend on it.
Official website
A look at the place
Galés de Maragogi 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 Galés de Maragogi
Do I need to know how to swim?
It is not required. There are shallow areas, and if you don't swim you can stay on the boat. To float over the reefs, it helps to be comfortable in the water.
Can I feed the fish?
No. The management plan of the APA Costa dos Corais (environmental protection area) forbids feeding the fish and touching the wildlife.
Does the trip run every day?
It depends on the tide. The Galés are only visited at low tide, and on days when the tide is too high there is no trip. The time changes every day.
Can I go scuba diving?
Yes, with an authorized operator that has a certified instructor.
Is there a fee on top of the tour?
Yes. The Maragogi town hall charges an environmental fee on boat trips, known as the pulseira (wristband).