beach · João Pessoa, PB
Praia de Tambaú
The capital's city beach, with a promenade, hotels and seafront restaurants. Catamarans leave from here for the Picãozinho natural 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 Praia de Tambaú
Tambaú is the best-known city beach in João Pessoa. It sits in the middle of the city's waterfront, between Manaíra to the north and Cabo Branco to the south, forming one continuous strip of sand with them. The neighborhood of the same name has much of the capital's hotels, bars and restaurants.
The water is warm and usually calm, good for swimming and for families with children. Near the sand, the sea can look brownish; farther out, it turns greenish. Along the beach there are kiosks, chairs and umbrellas, and a wide promenade lined with coconut palms, good for walking, especially in the late afternoon.
Boats and catamarans leave from the Tambaú waterfront for the Picãozinho natural pools, formed by reefs a few minutes off the coast. Trips are sold at the kiosks on the beach itself and depend on low tide.
Where it meets the Cabo Branco waterfront stands the Busto de Tamandaré (bust), one of the city's best-known photo spots. There is also a craft fair near the beach, and the Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano is in the neighborhood.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the beach and promenade; a full day if you include the Picãozinho trip.
Best time
In the morning, for a swim and trips to the natural pools on low-tide days; late in the afternoon, for a walk on the promenade. Summer usually has less rain.
How to get there
Tambaú is on the central waterfront of João Pessoa, east of downtown, between Manaíra and Cabo Branco. You can get there by car, taxi, ride-hailing app or buses heading to the waterfront.
Tip
Before booking the Picãozinho trip, check the tide table: at high tide, the pools don't appear. Departure times change from one day to the next.
A look at the place
Praia de Tambaú 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 de Tambaú
Is Tambaú beach good for swimming?
Yes. The water is warm and usually calm, good for families. Near the sand it can look brownish; farther out, the sea turns greenish.
Where do the Picãozinho trips leave from?
From the Tambaú waterfront itself. Boat and catamaran trips are sold at the beach kiosks and only run at low tide.
What is the difference between Tambaú and Cabo Branco?
They are neighboring beaches on one continuous strip of sand. Tambaú is the busier one, with most of the hotels, bars and restaurants; Cabo Branco continues south, toward the lighthouse.
Where is the Busto de Tamandaré?
Where the Tambaú and Cabo Branco waterfronts meet. It is one of the best-known photo spots in João Pessoa.
Is there somewhere to buy crafts near the beach?
Yes. There is a craft fair near the waterfront, and the Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano is in the Tambaú neighborhood.