beach · Canguaretama, RN
Barra do Cunhaú
A fishing village at the mouth of the Curimataú River, with natural pools surrounded by rocks and clear water. The meeting of the river and the sea and the surrounding mangroves complete the scenery.
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 do Cunhaú
Barra do Cunhaú is the beach district of Canguaretama, on the southern coast of Rio Grande do Norte. It is a fishing village at the mouth of the Curimataú River, where the river meets the sea among sandbanks and mangroves. The place is far from mass tourism and keeps the pace of a coastal village.
The village has several beaches. At Boca da Barra, where the river flows into the sea, the steady wind and the sandbanks draw kitesurfers. Praia do Pontal stretches for about 5 km, with calm water and natural pools. At Barrinha, it is the Catu River that meets the sea. Across the Curimataú is Praia da Restinga, almost deserted, already in the municipality of Baía Formosa.
The most popular outing is a boat trip on the Curimataú River, with stops to get off and walk in the mangroves. There is also a crab trail with a local guide, as well as kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. The tide changes the scenery a lot: at low tide the sandbanks and the pools between the rocks appear.
It is a destination for people who want peace and quiet, with pousadas (guesthouses), bars and restaurants in the village. In the same municipality is the old Engenho Cunhaú (sugar mill), with the chapel of the Cunhaú Martyrs, which you can combine on the same day.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A full day is enough to enjoy the beach and take the boat trip along the river and through the mangroves.
Best time
You can go year-round; from September to February the weather usually favors outdoor outings, and from September to November the wind is strongest, the favorite season for kitesurfing. To see the sandbanks and natural pools, go at low tide.
How to get there
It is in Canguaretama, on the southern coast of RN, near Pipa (less than half an hour by car). From Natal, take the BR-101 south and then the RN-269 to the coast.
Tip
Check the tide table before you go: the sandbanks, the natural pools and some outings depend on low tide.
A look at the place
Barra do Cunhaú 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 do Cunhaú
Where is Barra do Cunhaú?
It is the beach district of Canguaretama, on the southern coast of Rio Grande do Norte, at the mouth of the Curimataú River, near Pipa.
Does Barra do Cunhaú have natural pools?
Yes. Praia do Pontal has calm water and natural pools, which show best at low tide.
Can you kitesurf at Barra do Cunhaú?
Yes. The steady wind and the sandbanks at Boca da Barra draw kitesurfers; the wind is strongest from September to November. Beginners should look for a school and instructor.
How long does it take to get from Pipa to Barra do Cunhaú?
Less than half an hour by car.
What outings can I do in Barra do Cunhaú?
A boat trip on the Curimataú River with a walk in the mangroves, a crab trail with a guide, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.