Nature and Resorts - Brazil's Porto de Galinhas
Brazilian Lifestyle at South America’s Beach Playground
May 18, 2009
A few miles from Recife, Brazil's lively northern port city, the coast around the little town of Porto de Galinhas is lined with resorts that range from budget-friendly family getaways to ultra-luxe complexes that bring to mind the South Sea islands. But within a short beach-buggy ride of the resorts, uncrowded beaches offer nature experiences and water sports.
Seahorse Viewing at Rio Maracaipe Near Recife
South along the coast from Porto de Galinhas, the Rio Maracaipe River enters the ocean from a shallow, broad bay and on the beach at the end of the sandy track , little wooden boats called jagandas take visitors on adventures to pools on the far side, where a snorkler swims along the surface looking for sea horses. Once spotted, they are carefully scooped into a gallon glass jug so that visitors can see them without hurting the fragile little creatures. They are larger than expected and it is fascinating to see one up close, "standing" upright in the water.
Boating and Kayaking Mangrove Wilderness
The boats continue into the mouth of the river, past mangrove-covered islands, where the low tide has left their tangle of roots high and dry, and crabs sun themselves on the sand beneath them. To explore the mangrove forests that line the sore, rent a kayak at the beach or go on a tour with a local guide, easily arranged at any of the resorts.
Protected Braches, Surfing, Snorkeling and Swimming
Most of the beaches here are protected by barrier reefs that temper the waves and make them safe even for children, but they also bar surf boarding. The beach at Maracaipe is one exception, and its long curving waves are popular with surfers. Scuba and snorkeling are also popular, particularly in the calmer waters between the offshore reef and the beaches.
Budget and Luxury Resort Hotels and Lodging
Along the beaches north and south of Porto de Galinhas a number of hotels offer full resort facilities in addition to ready access to long sandy beaches. Each beach resort has its own style and feel, from South-Seas-Island to strictly modern. The high end of the price scale is Nannia Beach Resort, which has a definite South Pacific the mood with lots of thatch and open beams. Mid-range price options are the Enotel Resort and the Summerville Beach Resort which have the feel of modern grand hotels with large open spaces filled with swimming, wading and reflecting pools The Atlantica adds another south seas look. The Best Western Solar Porto Galinhas was the first resort on this coast just over 20 years ago and it still has the look charm of a new hotel. It, Hotel Village at Porto Galinhas and Hotel Armaçao, are all very attractive hotels at the more affordable price range.
Easy Airfare to Brazilian Coastal Resorts
The Brazilian coast is easily reached from most American cities. American Airlines has recently added direct service to Recife and San Salvador de Bahia from Miami with good connections with most US major airports. Air time from Miami is approximately 7.5 to 8 hours and the cost is about the same as a fare to Europe and prices on the ground a good deal less expensive.
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