NORTHEAST BRAZIL - Brazil - page 232

Maracajaú 8
Rio Grande do Norte. @ # at low

tide only.

Maracajaú's coral reefs
offer one of the best spots
for snorkeling along the
whole of Brazil's north coast.
The reefs lie approximately
4 miles (7 km) offshore. At
low tide, the receding ocean
leaves the reefs from just 3
to 9 ft (1 to 3 m) underwater,
and forms natural pools,
called parrachos , which
combine the beauty of the
tranquil water with a spec-
tacular array of marine-life.
They are shallow enough for
snorkelers and swimmers to
observe dozens of species of
colorful, tropical fish trapped
inside the reefs. The water is
crystal clear and warm round
the year, making it a popular
destination for scuba divers
and swimmers alike. Tour
operators offer scuba diving
trips, but the water is so
shallow, it is hardly worth
the effort or expense.
The best way to reach
Maracajaú is by a dune
buggy, departing from Natal
(or Genipabu) and traveling
north along the white, sandy
beaches. Check the tide tables
to time the journey in order
to arrive in Maracajaú at, or
a few hours before, low tide.
The large Manoa Water Park ,
replete with slides and swim-
ming pools, en route to the
coral reefs in Maracajaú, is an
enjoyable stop for children.

Snorkeling in the coral reefs, Maracajaú

Genipabu 7
Rio Grande do Norte.

de Genipabu is the perfect
place to start. This area of
164-ft (50-m) tall shifting
dunes is off-limits to all but
licensed buggy drivers who
know their way around every
hump and dip. Passengers
have the option of requesting
a ride “ com ou sem emoção ”
(with or without the thrills
and heart palpitations). Well
worth requesting, the thrill-
ride is an amazing roller-
coaster of maneuvers up
and down along the slippery
front faces of the dunes,
descending at almost 90-
degree angles before zooming
straight up another dune
on the far side.
The best time of day to visit
the Parque das Dunas is in
the afternoon, to enjoy the
lovely golden sunset over
the dunes after the ride.

* 5,000.

k Associação

dos Bugueiros do Rio Grande do
Norte, [phone].

Natal Airport. @ n

The main reason to visit
Genipabu is to experience
the magnificent dunes. This
small town is located north
of Natal, close to the edge of
an impressive landscape of
shifting sands that pile up into
high dunes and plunge down
to the edge of the Atlantic
Ocean. Though it is possible
to ride a camel through the
dunes or sand-board down
them, the best way to enjoy
these enormous ridges of
sand is behind the roll bar
of a dune buggy with an
experienced driver at the
wheel. The Parque Dunas

Tourists enjoying a buggy ride on the white sand dunes in Genipabu

For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp379-81 and pp405-406