Tides & Nature
Tide Table for Natural Pools in João Pessoa
How to read the tide table and choose the best day to visit Seixas, Picãozinho and Areia Vermelha in João Pessoa.
By Affonso Murillo Soledade de Oliveira · 7 min read · updated 2026-05-14
What the tide table is and why it matters in João Pessoa
The tide table is the official document — published by the Brazilian Navy — that predicts tide times and heights for each port or station along the coast. In João Pessoa, the reference station is Cabedelo (PB). The table governs natural-pool activities in the region: without low tide, the pools don't exist. At high tide, the reefs are submerged and the sea water is deep and rough above them. That's why every natural-pool departure in João Pessoa is planned from the tide table.
How to read the tide table: coefficient, range and time
The table shows for each day the alternation between high (high tide) and low (low tide) tides, with time and height in meters. The tide coefficient indicates intensity — higher values mean more difference between high and low tides, and therefore more expressive natural pools at low tide. A low coefficient may mean low tide doesn't fully uncover the reefs. For João Pessoa's natural pools, the ideal is a low tide with a high coefficient and at a time compatible with the tour — preferably in the morning, before the sun gets too strong.
Seixas, Picãozinho and Areia Vermelha: when each is best
Seixas and Picãozinho respond well to any low tide with reasonable coefficient — the difference is that with a high coefficient the pools are larger and shallower. Areia Vermelha depends on low tide for the island to emerge — without low tide, it simply doesn't exist. Penha also depends on low tide for the pools to work. The practical rule is: check the table for your dates, identify days with low tide in the morning and higher coefficient, and book those days for natural pools.
The tide cycle in João Pessoa over the month
Tides follow lunar cycles of about 14 days between the strongest tides (syzygy, near full and new moon) and weakest tides (quadrature, near first and last quarter). On syzygy days, the coefficient is higher and the natural pools are more expressive. On quadrature days, low tide is less intense and the pools may be shallower or less accessible. Planning the visit on dates near full or new moon tends to ensure better conditions.
How Vem Passear em Jampa confirms the tide before each departure
No natural-pool tour is confirmed without checking the tide table for the day. When you contact us on WhatsApp, Murillo checks the table for your dates and tells you the best tide window for each tour. If your day's tide isn't good for Seixas, for example, he guides whether Picãozinho or another option works better. This guidance is part of the service — not charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to find the official João Pessoa tide table?
The official tide table is published by the Brazilian Navy on the Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation (DHN) website. For João Pessoa, the reference station is Cabedelo (PB). The consultation is free and shows times and heights for every day of the year.
What happens if the tide isn't good on my day?
If your day's low tide falls at an incompatible time, options include: reschedule for the next day if low tide falls at a better time, visit a different natural pool that has a tide window at another time, or do a tour that doesn't depend on tide on the same day — like the South Coast or City Tour. Murillo guides you to the best alternative for your case.
Can I visit the natural pools at any tide?
No. At high tide, the pools are submerged and the tour loses most of its appeal. Low tide is the minimum requirement. Ideal is a low tide with a high coefficient, which uncovers more reef area and leaves the pools shallower and wider. No departure is confirmed without checking the day's tide conditions.
Need help planning your itinerary?
Murillo replies on WhatsApp with personalized guidance for your case.
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