South Coast
João Pessoa's South Coast: beaches, trails and ATV
Coqueirinho, Tabatinga, Praia Bela and Tambaba: what to see and do on João Pessoa's south coast in a day tour.
By Affonso Murillo Soledade de Oliveira · 10 min read · updated 2026-05-14
João Pessoa's South Coast: what to expect
João Pessoa's South Coast begins in Jacarapé, just below Praia de Bessa, and extends for over 30 km to the boundaries with the municipality of Conde. Unlike the city's urban shoreline, the south coast has more preserved beaches, colorful cliffs, less tourist infrastructure and a feel of wild coastline. The full-day tour covers several different beaches in sequence, with stops for swimming, trails and activities. It's considered the most varied itinerary in the region.
Coqueirinho: natural pools, cliffs and ATV
Praia do Coqueirinho is the most famous stop on the South Coast. It has a shoreline of coconut trees (which gave it its name), red cliffs in the background and natural pools formed by reefs at low tide. It's the starting point for the ATV on the dunes — a separate activity that crosses dunes and trails in the region at moderate speed. The beach itself is good for swimming and reef exploration at the right tide.
Tabatinga: reefs and the only regularized nudist beach in Paraíba
Tabatinga has extensive reefs that form natural pools at low tide. It's also where the regulated nudist beach is located — one of the few in the Northeast with a specifically delimited area. Nudism is optional and restricted to one stretch of the beach; the rest of Tabatinga is visited normally by all kinds of visitors. The scenery is beautiful and the atmosphere is calmer than in Coqueirinho.
Praia Bela: reefs, pools and tranquility
Praia Bela lives in the shadow of the most famous South Coast beaches and thus has fewer people. The reefs are extensive and the natural pools at low tide are clear and shallow. It's recommended for snorkeling and for those wanting less movement. [TO CONFIRM WITH MURILLO: whether the classic itinerary includes a stop at Praia Bela and in which tide condition it's best]
Tambaba and the beaches further south
Tambaba is the most frequent last stop of the classic South Coast itinerary. After it, the coast continues through more deserted beaches like Coqueirinho do Sul, Carapibus and Barra de Gramame — beaches that require more travel and rarely enter one-day itineraries. Those who want to explore the southernmost coast can hire a specific tour.
How to do the South Coast with itinerary guidance
The classic South Coast itinerary by Vem Passear em Jampa departs early from the city and covers the main beaches in sequence, with transfer included. ATV in Coqueirinho can be booked separately. Murillo guides on WhatsApp what to include according to the group's profile — whether there are children, whether the focus is adventure or tranquility, whether you want to add the ATV. The tour can be done in any tide, but the stop at Coqueirinho and Praia Bela pools is best at low tide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beaches can I see on the south coast in one day?
The classic South Coast itinerary includes between 4 and 6 stops depending on distance and the group's pace. Coqueirinho, Tabatinga, Praia Bela and Tambaba are the main ones. With an early start — around 7 or 8 am — you can see them all comfortably and still have time for the ATV in Coqueirinho. [TO CONFIRM WITH MURILLO: exact departure time and number of stops on the classic itinerary]
Is the ATV in Coqueirinho for everyone?
The ATV is driven by the visitor themselves across the dunes near Coqueirinho. No driving license required. [TO CONFIRM WITH MURILLO: minimum age, weight or physical condition restrictions for the ATV in Coqueirinho]
Is Tambaba a mandatory nudist beach?
No. Tambaba has a regulated nudist area and a regular swimming area. The nudist area is accessed by a separate stretch of the beach. Anyone who doesn't want to participate can stay in the regular area normally.
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