beach · Pontal do Paraná, PR
Pontal do Sul
A beach town facing the Baía de Paranaguá, with calmer water than the town's open-sea beaches. It is where boats leave for Ilha do Mel, and pods of dolphins are often seen in the area.
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 Pontal do Sul
Pontal do Sul is the beach town at the southern tip of Pontal do Paraná, where the coast curves and turns toward the Baía de Paranaguá. That is why the sea there is calmer than at the open-sea beaches in the rest of the town.
It is also the gateway to Ilha do Mel. The boats that make the crossing leave from the Pontal do Sul channel, and many people pass through only to board. From the beach you can see Ilha do Mel and other islands at the mouth of the bay.
The beach is long, with light sand and calm water good for swimming. It is a common choice for families with small children. Dolphins live in the area, using it to feed and raise their young, and sometimes come close to shore.
The town is home to the Centro de Estudos do Mar (Center for Marine Studies) of the Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), devoted to research on the coastal environment. Outside the summer season, things quiet down a lot and the beach is much more peaceful.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day is enough for the beach; allow the whole day if you are continuing on to Ilha do Mel.
Best time
In summer, from December to March, to enjoy the calm sea; in the morning the water is usually calmer and the beach less crowded.
How to get there
It is at the southern tip of Pontal do Paraná, at the end of the coastal road (PR-412). The town is about 97 km from Curitiba; by car, take the BR-277 and then the PR-407 to Praia de Leste, continuing along the coast to Pontal do Sul.
Tip
If you are going to Ilha do Mel, check the boat schedule beforehand and get to the pier with time to spare, especially on summer weekends.
A look at the place
Pontal do Sul 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 Pontal do Sul
Where do the boats to Ilha do Mel leave from in Pontal do Sul?
From the Pontal do Sul channel, at the southern tip of Pontal do Paraná. It is the main departure point for the island. Check the boat schedule before you go.
Is the sea calm in Pontal do Sul?
Yes. Since the beach faces the Baía de Paranaguá, the sea is calmer than at the town's open-sea beaches, which is why families with children like it.
Can you see dolphins in Pontal do Sul?
Sometimes. Dolphins live in the area, where they feed and raise their young, but sightings are not guaranteed.
Is there a fee for the beach at Pontal do Sul?
No. The beach is public and access is free. The boat crossing to Ilha do Mel is paid separately.
How far is Pontal do Sul from Curitiba?
Pontal do Paraná is about 97 km from Curitiba. Pontal do Sul is the beach area at the town's southern tip, at the end of the coastal road.