Picãozinho: the natural pools off Tambaú

One kilometer from Tambaú beach, a reef forms natural pools that can only be visited at low tide.

Picãozinho is a coral reef roughly the size of a soccer field, located about 1 km off the coast, facing Tambaú beach. At low tide, the reef structure forms natural pools of warm, clear water, a true open-air aquarium where fish and other marine species can be seen just centimeters below the surface. It is one of the most sought-after excursions for visitors to João Pessoa.

Access is by boat or catamaran, boarding right at Tambaú beach. Since the trip depends on the timing of the lowest tide, departure times change daily and are only offered when the tide drops low enough to expose the pools — usually during the weeks of the new moon and full moon. It is important to check the tide table (the Brazilian Navy's reference station for the region is the port of Cabedelo) before planning the visit, and confirm the exact time with the chosen operator.

The visit usually lasts about three hours, including the trip out, time in the pools and the return. Many boats offer extra amenities, such as an on-board bar, inflatable toys and life jackets — an item everyone should wear, since depth varies depending on the spot on the reef and the stage of the tide.

Studies by the Federal University of Paraíba on the occurrence of corals in Picãozinho point to a reduction in species diversity in areas of heavier visitation, which reinforces the importance of responsible behavior during the trip: do not step on the corals, do not remove organisms from the site, and follow the crew's instructions.