Maceio, Brazil

Climb aboard and let yourself be swept along by the turquoise waters of Lagoa do Mundaú! From Pontal da Barra, you can sail between the islands, canals and marshes that form one of the largest networks of lagoons in the world. Mangrove forests, hidden beaches and palm trees dancing in the wind pass by before your eyes. Take a break, dive into this natural paradise and swim in the bluest waters, surrounded by tropical silence. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of local fishermen at work before returning to Massagueira pier, with the sea still reflecting in your eyes.

• Lagoa do Mundaú
• Mangrove forest
• Swim break at the beach

• We leave the port by coach in the direction of Pontal da Barra, which is a few kilometres to the south.
• We arrive at the quay where a boat awaits us, to whisk us away on a spectacular cruise over the waters of Lagoa do Mundaú with its marshes, islands and channels.
• This lagoon and the adjacent Lagoa Manguaba, to which it is attached, form one of the world's largest lagoon complexes. We sail among the nine islands that dot the waters, a protected area that boasts incredible biodiversity.
• During this peaceful trip, we can admire the large mangrove forest growing on the shore, interrupted by beautiful white sand beaches on which stand willowy palm trees caressed by the wind.
• In this environment of rare beauty, we stop to dive into the literally unique ecosystem of the lagoon: swimming in the blue waters of a tropical paradise is an experience not to be missed. And with a little luck we can observe the local fishermen engaged in their daily activities.
• We then return to Massagueira quay, where we find our coach to return to the ship.

• Space is limited, so be sure to book early.
• The beach is not equipped with toilets, which are only available on board.
• The tour does not include beach chairs.
• The excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.
• There is limited availability of English-language guides;

Set off to conquer Maceió! Begin in the historic district of Jaraguá, where Baroque buildings tell tales of days gone by. Then fly away amidst the colors and embroidery of Pontal da Barra, a place of artisans and handmade crafts that carries the scent of tradition. Continue south, between the lagoons of Mundaú and Manguaba, one of the world's largest mosaics of water and light, to the stunning Praia do Francês. Here, coral reefs, diving and pure relaxation are waiting for you. Finish your day with sand between your toes, and a true holiday smile.

• Maceió: sightseeing tour Pontal da Barra Praia do Francês

• To learn more about the city of Maceió, we begin our tour with a sightseeing tour of the Jaraguá district declared an historical heritage site of the state of Alagoas, where time seems to stand still amongst the imposing baroque and colonial style buildings. We then go to the famous Pontal da Barra craft district where local artisans produce lace, embroidery and a wide selection of bags, accessories and handmade clothes. Here we can admire the work of master craftsmen and spend some free time doing a bit of shopping. Our itinerary continues out of town, heading towards the coast south of Maceió, to take in the picturesque lake landscapes of the two most important lagoons in the region: Lagoa do Mundaú and Lagoa Manguaba which, together, form one of the largest lagoon complexes of the world. We then reach Praia do Francês, one of Brazil's most beautiful beaches where there is a beautiful and colourful coral reef. If we are lucky with the tide, we can admire it in all its glory! On the beach, we have free time to enjoy the magnificent local attractions: We can take a dip in the water, snap some unforgettable photographs and relax in a true paradise.

• Space is limited, so be sure to book early. Don't forget a swimsuit, towel and sun cream. There is limited availability of English-language guides; if these are not available the local guide's commentary will be translated by a local interpreter.

Cast off and set sail for where the water is teeming with life! Head to Barra de São Miguel, with its pale sands and mangroves that look like something straight out of a tropical dream. On board a saveiro, a type of traditional sailing boat, glide along the São Miguel River and into the Roteiro Lagoon, surrounded by electric blue and wild green reflections. Then it's straight to Praia do Gunga: Here the river throws itself into the ocean, and you throw yourself into adventure. Head back along the coast with a dream in your eyes with the scent of the sea.

• Barra de São Miguel
• Cruise on saveiro
• Praia do Gunga
• Coast south of Maceió

• We will leave the port in the direction of the southern coast of Maceió and head to the town of Barra de São Miguel, one of the most popular tourist areas in the State of Alagoas, with white sandy beaches, calm clear waters and islands covered by extensive mangrove vegetation.
• We embark on a saveiro, a typical coastal sailing boat and go on a lovely trip to the São Miguel river and the Roteiro lagoon, with their deep blue waters surrounded by emerald green vegetation.
• We make a stop on the fabulous Praia do Gunga, a magnificent white sand beach which is at the point where the São Miguel river empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Here we can dive into the crystal clear waters, while an expanse of palm trees gently swaying in the wind waves at us from the beach.
• We return to Barra de São Miguel on our saveiro, and go from there to the port, for one last look at the beautiful beaches lining the coast as we follow the southern coast of Maceió.

• Space is limited, so be sure to book early.

Set off to discover Maceió and let yourself be won over by its blend of colonial charm and tropical energy! From the old-world elegance of Jaraguá to the gifted hands of the artisans of Pontal da Barra, where lace and colors come to life, and then on to the heart of the city with the magnificent Igreja Bom Jesus and the sophisticated Deodoro Theater. Take a tour of the interior of Maceió Cathedral, a symbol of art and devotion, and finish on a high, with your camera in hand. You're at the Mirante de São Gonçalo: a view that'll make you fall in love with the city, from the first glance to the last click of your lens.

• Sightseeing tour 
• Pontal da Barra
• Deodoro Theatre
• Cathedral of Maceió
• Mirante de São Gonçalo

• To learn more about the city of Maceió, we begin our excursion with a sightseeing tour of the Jaraguá district declared an historical heritage site of the state of Alagoas, where time seems to stand still amongst the imposing baroque and colonial style buildings.
• We then go to the famous Pontal da Barra craft district where local artisans produce lace, embroidery and a wide selection of bags, accessories and handmade clothes. Here we can admire the work of master craftsmen and spend some free time doing a bit of shopping.
• Our next stop is the town centre to take some photos at one of the largest architectural complexes in the Alagoas region, which consists of Igreja Bom Jesus dos Martírios, with its at times oriental style architecture, flanked by the government building, Maceió city hall and the tourism office.
• We continue our sightseeing tour exploring the historic heart of the city where we can admire architectural works such as the Deodoro theatre, built in the early 20th century to promote culture in the Alagoas region.
• We stop at the Maceió Cathedral, designed by French architect Auguste Montigny and opened in 1859, and we take a look at the main altar beautifully made of cedar wood.
• We continue to the city's lookout, the Mirante de São Gonçalo, which offers views of Maceió's coast and its most important districts. Here we stop to take some photos before continuing.
• We then go to the Maceió waterfront, where we admire the buildings and restaurants that dot the area and appreciate the charm and beauty of the contrast between old and new, before returning to the port.

• Space is limited, so be sure to book early.
• There is limited availability of English-language guides; if these are not available the local guide's commentary will be translated by a local interpreter.
  

Head north and follow the coast road, through breathtaking scenery to Praia de Paripueira, the pearl of the Costa dos Corais. Here, the sea creates natural pools, and is home to one of the most spectacular coral reefs in the South Atlantic. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a gentle manatee, king of these crystal clear waters. Then let yourself be pampered by the beach club and the slow pace of life here by the water: white sand, sunshine and no worries — true tropical relaxation.

• Praia de Paripueira
• Barrier reef and natural pools
• Time out at beach

• We will head north from the port and travel up the coast delighting in stunning views of the sea until we reach Praia de Paripueira, a beach in the north coast of Alagoas state.
• This beach is on the famous Costa dos Corais, known for one of the largest concentrations of coral reefs in the South Atlantic.
• Paripueira beach is also home to the marine park for the preservation of manatee, a species at risk of extinction. If we are lucky enough, we can meet this cute marine mammal!
• On the beach, we can use the facilities of the beach club and fully enjoy the wonders of the sea, which gently laps the white sand and forms many natural pools.

• Don't forget a swimsuit, towel and sun cream.
• Space is limited, so be sure to book early.