beach · Caraguatatuba, SP
Praia da Cocanha
In the northern part of town, it has about 1 km of fine sand and calm water, with views of the Cocanha and Tamanduá islands. Offshore is the largest mussel farm in the state, an activity tied to the local caiçara (traditional coastal) culture.
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 Praia da Cocanha
Praia da Cocanha (beach) is in the northern part of Caraguatatuba, on the São Paulo North Coast. It has about 1 km of light, soft sand and a calm sea with few waves, which makes it one of the most popular beaches for families with children.
It is a beach with caiçara (traditional coastal) roots. Small-scale fishermen live in the neighborhood, and in front of the sand is the Cocanha mussel farm, considered the largest in the state. The farm's buoys are visible from the beach, and mussels are on the menu at the kiosks.
The Rio Cocanha (river) flows into the beach and forms a stretch of shallow fresh water, good for kids. Out at sea, the Cocanha island lies right in front and you can reach it by kayak when the sea is calm, with other islands in the distance.
Facilities are good: there are kiosks, restaurants, kayak and other water sports rentals, and local fishermen offer boat trips to the mussel farm. The beach is easy to reach, with no trail.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day to a full day, if you want to include the boat or kayak trip.
Best time
From November to March, on sunny days and in the morning, when the sea is usually calmer and clearer; outside the season and on weekdays the beach is quieter.
How to get there
It is in the northern part of Caraguatatuba, next to the Rio-Santos highway (BR-101), heading toward Ubatuba. The easiest way to get there is by car from downtown.
Tip
Try a mussel dish at the kiosks and, if the sea is calm, rent a kayak and paddle to the island in front.
A look at the place
Praia da Cocanha 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 Praia da Cocanha
Is Praia da Cocanha good for kids?
Yes. The sea is usually calm, with few waves, and the mouth of the Rio Cocanha forms a stretch of shallow fresh water where kids play.
Where is Praia da Cocanha?
In the northern part of Caraguatatuba (SP), with access via the Rio-Santos highway, heading toward Ubatuba.
What is the Cocanha mussel farm?
It is a mussel farm run by local fishermen and shellfish farmers, in front of the beach, considered the largest in the state of São Paulo. Local fishermen offer boat trips there.
Can you get to the Cocanha island?
Yes, the island is in front of the beach and you can reach it by kayak, rented right on the beach, on days when the sea is calm.
Are there facilities at Praia da Cocanha?
Yes. There are kiosks, restaurants, parking and rentals of kayaks and other water sports gear.