See The Manatees And Corals At Maceio's Pratagi Beach
Pratagi is known as the "Mermaid Beach," or "Mirante da Sereia." It is one of Maceio's north coast beaches. One of the great things about Pratagi is that it has only recently been discovered by tourists. A bit off the beaten path, this beach is just starting to become one of the hotspots for Maceio travelers.
Why is it called the Mermaid Beach? There are local legends in the area of mermaid sightings, but the main reason for the name is simply the natural beauty of the beach's many coves and coasts. The locals have built a mermaid statue that you can see from many of the beach's lookout points, and that is the only mermaid you are bound to see there.
This beach is unique because it is the spot where the Rio Caboco spills out into the Atlantic Ocean. This gives the beach a very distinctive feeling. Where the river spills out, there are swamps full of mangrove trees and wild, exotic plantlife. This beach is greener and more populated with exotic birds and other wildlife than some of the other beaches in the area.
You may not see a mermaid, but it is quite likely you might spot a manatee. These rare and endangered animals go by many names, such as the "sea cow." They look remarkably like a cross between a cow and a walrus, and you can often see them swimming here among the corals and swamps in their natural habitat. They can be quite big, but they are sedate and harmless. Manatees are near extinction and this is one of the few habitats in the world where they live naturally.
Pratagi is a long beach with lots of coastline. One of the things that give it a unique beauty is the coral. During low tide, you can walk out into the water and see the coral up close. It has many colors and shapes, and the water is so clear you can even get pictures of it.
Like Maceio's other northern coast beaches, Pratagi has clear, green water and white sand. The ocean here is very calm and peaceful. Off the coast a little way islands are formed by the corals at low tide, and you can take a boat ride out into the water to see them. To hire a boat, simply talk to one of the local fishermen, and they will be more than happy to take you out to the islands for a meager price.
Pratagi is 13 kilometers north of Maceio on the north coast. You can take a taxi or city bus to the edge of Pratagi. It makes a great Maceio daytrip.
From Praia Pratagi back to Brazil Maceio Guide
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Praia Sonho Verde
Sonho Verde is Portuguese for "green dream." Sonho Verde is one of Maceio's most peaceful beaches; it's a great place to relax and take in the sun.
Praia Paripueira
Paripueira has lots of rare and exotic sea animal life, including the endangered manatees. With rare fish, natural swimming pools, reefs and clear green water, Paripueira is a great local beach.
Praia Costa Brava
Gunga Beach is one of the best places to check out in Maceio. Located on the southern coast, Gunga Beach has a wide variety of natural beauty to enjoy.
Praia Ipioca
Ipioca is a beach along Maceio's northern coast. It is easy to get to and convenient, but you won't find the huge crowds at Ipioca.
Praia Richado Doce
Riacho Doce is a great beach for those who want to get a little bit out of town, but not be too far away. Known for its pretty beach, marsh land and village, Riacho Doce is a great place to visit on the weekdays when the crowds are away.
Praia Guaxuma
Guaxuma is a great beach if you want to get away from the crowds, and it offers something else. Guaxuma is known for it's simple, rustic beauty. With its long, flat coastline and white sandbars, Guaxuma offers a contrast to the area's other beaches.
Praia Cruz das Almas
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Praia Jatiuca
Jatiuca beach has a little of something for everyone. Known for its great surfing and food, Jatiuca is also one of the prettiest urban beaches where you can enjoy the ocean without traveling far.
Praia Ponta Verde
Ponta Verde is the place to go for young people in Maceio. If you want to enjoy Maceio's pretty beaches, party and socialize, Ponta Verde is the place to go.
Praia Sete Coqueiros
Sete Coqueiros is one of Maceio's smaller urban beaches. You can take a boat ride out to the natural pools at Sete Coqueiros, or enjoy its unique crafts market.
Praia Pajucara
Pajucara is the best known beach in Maceio. This urban beach offers trips to the natural pools, lots of food and drink, and a chance to mix with other travelers. Pajucara is not the place to go for peace and quiet, but it can be lots of fun.
Praia do pontal da barra
Pontal da Barra is an urban beach in Maceio, at the southern tip of the city, but it is much prettier than the others. What makes Pontal da Barra really unique is the wide variety of crafts you can buy there.
Praia do Frances
French Beach is the most popular beach on Maceio's southern coast. Head to French Beach during the weekdays when there aren't so many crowds and enjoy this beautiful little bit of paradise.
Maceio Weather
Maceio weather is hot and mild all year around. Here is a more detailed look at Maceio weather, so you can know before you go.