beach · Tibau do Sul, RN
Baía dos Golfinhos
A cove of warm, clear water surrounded by cliffs, where dolphins often appear early in the morning. Access is on foot along the beach, only at low tide.
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 Baía dos Golfinhos
Baía dos Golfinhos (Dolphin Bay) is the cove right next to the village of Pipa, in Tibau do Sul, on the southern coast of Rio Grande do Norte. The sand is golden and squeezed between the sea and a tall wall of cliffs, partly covered in forest.
The name is no exaggeration: pods of dolphins often enter the bay and swim near the surf, and you can often see them from the sand itself. It is not guaranteed; it is a matter of luck. If you want to get closer, take the boat trip that leaves from Praia do Centro.
There are no permanent stalls on the sand, because high tide covers much of the beach and the area is protected. So the visit is short and simple: walk, swim in the calmest corner, near Pipa, and wait for the dolphins. In the rest of the bay the sea has bigger waves.
Access is on foot, along the sand, only at low tide: from Praia do Centro in Pipa or from Praia do Madeiro. The walk is flat, but you need to watch the tide times so you don't get stuck on the way back.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Two hours is enough to walk there, stroll along the bay and wait for the dolphins at leisure.
Best time
At low tide, which is when you can walk in and out; early in the morning the chance of seeing dolphins is usually higher and the beach is emptier.
How to get there
It is north of Praia do Centro in Pipa, about 85 km from Natal. From the village, walk along the sand at low tide; you can also walk along the sand from Praia do Madeiro, which has a staircase and parking. At high tide, only by boat.
Tip
Check the tide table before you set out and bring water and sunscreen: there are no stalls on the bay's sand.
A look at the place
Baía dos Golfinhos 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 Baía dos Golfinhos
Can you see dolphins from the sand at Baía dos Golfinhos?
Often, yes: they usually swim near the surf. But it is not guaranteed. The boat trip from Praia do Centro increases your chances of seeing them up close.
How do I get to Baía dos Golfinhos?
On foot, along the sand, at low tide, from Praia do Centro in Pipa or from Praia do Madeiro. At high tide the way is cut off.
Is there an entrance fee for Baía dos Golfinhos?
No. It is a public beach, with free access along the sand.
Are there beach stalls at Baía dos Golfinhos?
There are no permanent stalls, because high tide covers the strip of sand. Bring water and sunscreen.
Can you swim at Baía dos Golfinhos?
Yes, especially in the corner closest to Pipa, where the sea is calmer. In the rest of the bay there are usually bigger waves.