river · Canguaretama, RN
Rio Curimataú e manguezais
The river runs through almost 20 km of mangroves, home to crabs, oysters and shrimp, before meeting the sea at Barra do Cunhaú. Boat trips explore the estuary and the deserted beaches along its banks.
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 Rio Curimataú e manguezais
The Curimataú River is the main river in Canguaretama, on the southern coast of Rio Grande do Norte. Before reaching the sea at Barra do Cunhaú, it crosses a large area of mangroves, so vast that the region earned the nickname "Amazônia Potiguar" (Rio Grande do Norte's Amazon).
The most common way to see the river is by boat or catamaran, leaving from Barra do Cunhaú. The trip explores the estuary among mangrove islands, passes the point where the Curimataú meets the Penha River and usually stops at the almost deserted Restinga beaches, across the inlet, already in the municipality of Baía Formosa.
Crabs, oysters and shrimp live in the mangroves, and along the way you can see fish, birds and locals catching crabs. At the river mouth, the scenery changes: on the river side, the water is calm; on the sea side, the waves are strong and draw surfers.
The boat trip requires no physical effort and suits families. If you prefer to paddle, there are kayaks and stand-up paddleboards on the calm waters near the inlet.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
The boat trip along the river and through the mangroves takes two and a half to three hours, with a stop at the Restinga beaches.
Best time
During the day, in sunshine, when the green of the water and the mangroves shows best; the drier second half of the year is usually recommended to avoid the rains.
How to get there
Tours leave from Barra do Cunhaú, Canguaretama's beach. From Natal, take the BR-101 to Canguaretama and then about 13 km on the RN-269 to the coast. Many agencies in Natal and Pipa sell the outing with transportation included.
Tip
Boat trips leave from Barra do Cunhaú and are also sold by agencies in Natal and Pipa; check with the operator on the duration and stops included.
A look at the place
Rio Curimataú e manguezais 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 Rio Curimataú e manguezais
How do I take the Curimataú River tour?
By boat or catamaran, leaving from Barra do Cunhaú, in Canguaretama. Agencies in Natal and Pipa also sell the outing with transportation.
How long does the boat trip take?
Between two and a half and three hours, counting the stop at the Restinga beaches.
What will I see on the trip?
Mangrove islands, the meeting of the Curimataú and the Penha River, birds, fish, crab fishing and the almost deserted Restinga beaches, across the inlet.
Where does the Curimataú River meet the sea?
At Barra do Cunhaú. On the river side the water is calm; on the sea side the waves are strong.
How do I get to Barra do Cunhaú from Natal?
Take the BR-101 to Canguaretama and then about 13 km on the RN-269 to the coast.