North Coast
João Pessoa's North Coast: Cabedelo, Jacaré and Areia Vermelha
Sunset at Jacaré, Areia Vermelha island and colonial history: what to see on João Pessoa's north coast and how to organize the itinerary.
By Affonso Murillo Soledade de Oliveira · 10 min read · updated 2026-05-14
João Pessoa's North Coast: Cabedelo and the Paraíba River estuary
João Pessoa's North Coast has its hub in the municipality of Cabedelo, separated from the capital by the Paraíba River. The river estuary is the environment that defines the north coast landscape — a mix of fresh water from the river with salt water from the Atlantic, which creates different colorations and unique tide conditions. Cabedelo is less than 20 km from João Pessoa's center and can be visited by car, bus or as part of an organized tour.
Areia Vermelha: the island that's born and disappears with the tide
Areia Vermelha is the most visual highlight of the North Coast. It's a sandbar that's submerged at high tide and emerges as an island in the ocean at low tide. Access is by catamaran from the Jacaré River. The island has reddish sand — a color that comes from mixing sediment from the Paraíba River with sand from the Atlantic. Around the island, at low tide, shallow natural pools form with little fish and coral.
Sunset at Jacaré: the most famous in João Pessoa
Sunset at Jacaré isn't just a beautiful sunset — it's a collective ritual. Every afternoon, tourists and locals gather on the banks of the Jacaré River to watch the sun set over the Paraíba River estuary. The event is recognized as one of the most beautiful in Brazil — a reputation built over decades by the beauty of the estuary and the musical tradition of saxophonist Jurandy do Sax, who performs Ravel's Bolero live daily. The time varies throughout the year according to the sun's position.
Fortaleza de Santa Catarina: colonial history on the Paraíba River banks
Fortaleza de Santa Catarina is a Portuguese fortress built in 1585 on the banks of the Paraíba River, in Cabedelo — one of the oldest in Brazil. It was built to defend the river mouth from attacks by privateers and European powers vying for control of the Northeast coast. The structure is open for visitation and is near the Jacaré boarding point. It's a short stop but with real historical weight — 440 years of history concentrated in a privileged viewpoint over the estuary.
How to organize the North Coast itinerary
The ideal is to combine the catamaran tour to Areia Vermelha in the morning (when the tide is usually low) with a visit to Fortaleza de Santa Catarina in the early afternoon and Sunset at Jacaré at the end of the afternoon. Murillo checks your day's tide table and organizes the right sequence. There's also a combined tour that joins Areia Vermelha and sunset at Jacaré in a single itinerary — talk to Murillo on WhatsApp to check availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sunset at Jacaré worth it?
It is — especially if it's your first time in João Pessoa. The event happens on the banks of the Jacaré River, in Cabedelo, with tourists gathered on the boats and riverbanks watching the sun set over the estuary while a saxophonist plays live. It's more a collective experience than a private sunset, but the scenery is genuinely beautiful.
What time does the sunset at Jacaré happen?
The time varies throughout the year: in October the sun sets around 5 pm; in January, around 5:45 pm. Saxophonist Jurandy do Sax performs Ravel's Bolero for about 17 minutes — exactly the duration of the sunset. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a good spot.
How do I get from João Pessoa to Cabedelo?
Cabedelo is about 18 km from João Pessoa, connected by BR-230. The organized tour by Vem Passear em Jampa includes round-trip transfer. To go on your own, you can take a bus or use a transport app.
Need help planning your itinerary?
Murillo replies on WhatsApp with personalized guidance for your case.
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