beach · Natal, RN
Praia de Ponta Negra e Morro do Careca
It is the busiest waterfront in the capital, with a boardwalk, bars and nightlife nearby. At the southern end is Morro do Careca, a dune of about 107 meters that you are not allowed to climb, to preserve the vegetation and curb erosion.
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 Ponta Negra e Morro do Careca
Ponta Negra is Natal's best-known and busiest beach. It is in the city's South Zone, and its waterfront is lined with a boardwalk, hotels, bars and restaurants. For many tourists, it is the starting point for exploring the state capital.
At the southern end of the beach is Morro do Careca, a tall dune that has become Natal's main postcard image. Part of it is covered with coastal scrub, and the other part is exposed pale sand, which, according to locals, looks like a bald head (careca) from certain angles. Hence the name.
The dune was once used for sand sledding, but today climbing it is prohibited. The area is preserved to protect the vegetation and curb erosion. You admire the Morro from a distance, from the sand or the boardwalk, and at night it is lit up. A boat trip shows the other side of the dune.
The stretch closest to the Morro, between the end of the boardwalk and the dune, usually has the calmest sea, good for families and stand-up paddleboarding. The central part is busier, with beach stalls and crowds. Access to the beach is free.
At night, the action moves up to Alto de Ponta Negra, with bars, restaurants and forró dance halls.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day is enough to walk the boardwalk, see Morro do Careca and swim in the sea; people staying in the neighborhood usually come back several times.
Best time
It is sunny most days year-round. In the morning the sand is quieter for a swim, and at night the lighting on Morro do Careca and the bars of Alto de Ponta Negra are worth coming back for.
How to get there
It is in Natal's South Zone, near the border with Parnamirim. From downtown and the North Zone, the most used route is Via Costeira, a seafront avenue between the ocean and Parque das Dunas. Taxi and ride-hailing apps are the most practical options.
Tip
To see all of Morro do Careca, walk south along the sand to the calmer stretch of sea near the dune; don't try to climb it, the area is protected.
A look at the place
Praia de Ponta Negra e Morro do Careca 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 Ponta Negra e Morro do Careca
Can you climb Morro do Careca?
No. Climbing is prohibited to preserve the vegetation and curb the dune's erosion. You can see it from the sand, the boardwalk or a boat.
Is there an entrance fee for Ponta Negra beach?
No. The beach is open to everyone, free of charge.
Which part of the beach has the calmest sea?
The stretch between the end of the boardwalk and Morro do Careca usually has the calmest sea, good for families and stand-up paddleboarding.
How do I get to Ponta Negra from downtown Natal?
Along Via Costeira, the seafront avenue that links the South Zone to the rest of the city. Taxi and ride-hailing apps are the most practical options.
Does Ponta Negra have nightlife?
Yes. At night the action is in Alto de Ponta Negra, with bars, restaurants and forró dance halls, and Morro do Careca is lit up.