Ditch the ocean salt for this calm freshwater spot. The main event is the aerobunda zipline; pay the extra few reais to launch straight into the water. Grab a plastic table submerged in the shallows, order a caipirinha, and zone out. Most North Coast buggy tours hit this spot, but midday crowds are chaotic. Get here by 10am to beat the tour buses. You only need 90 minutes to soak it all in before moving.
This natural basin provides a vital freshwater reset for anyone exploring the dunes of the North Coast. Unlike the nearby pounding surf of Genipabu, the water here is exceptionally calm, transparent, and perfect for a slow soak. While the periphery can feel a bit like a rowdy beach club with plastic chairs and loud music, the lagoon itself is a serene oasis of white sand and shallow banks. It is the kind of place where you can sit with your feet submerged while enjoying a local petisco, offering a gentler, more social experience than the intense buggy rides that usually bring visitors here in the first place. Crossing the water via the Aerobunda zipline is a rite of passage, dropping you directly into the deepest part of the lagoon with a refreshing splash. Getting to this hidden gem requires a buggy or a 4x4, as the sandy access roads are not friendly to standard rental cars. Most visitors arrive as part of a structured day trip from Natal, often stopping for lunch or a quick dip between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. If you are driving yourself, aim to arrive before the first fleet of buggies pulls in at 10:30 AM to snag a table right at the water's edge. Plan to spend about two hours here; it is long enough to ride the zipline and have a snack, but short enough to keep your itinerary moving toward the Muriú dunes or the Dunas de Genipabu before the sun gets too high. Skipping the expensive sit-down meals in favor of smaller snacks is a smart move to save time. Most travelers stick to the crowded main deck, but a short walk around the perimeter leads to quieter patches of shoreline where the water is just as clear but the music is muffled. If you want the best photos without the crowds, head toward the far side of the lagoon where the palm trees frame the water more naturally. Combining this with a stop at the nearby Graçandu beach allows for a full day of varied scenery. Many people make the mistake of only carrying cards, but having small change in Brazilian Reais is essential for the zipline operators and small vendors. The area transforms seasonally, with the water levels peaking after the rainy months of May and June, making the lagoon look its most vibrant in July and August. While the site is primarily a leisure hub today, the surrounding Extremoz region is steeped in history as one of the oldest colonial settlements in the state. Visiting during the week is vastly superior to weekends, when local families from Natal pack the shores, turning the peaceful retreat into a high-energy party zone that can feel a bit overwhelming for those seeking a quiet escape.
Small denominations of Brazilian Reais are essential for the zipline as operators often cannot process credit cards or international apps. Having exact change ensures you avoid long waits for change between dune buggy stops.
Reaching the lagoon in a regular sedan is risky due to deep sand and unpaved tracks. Hiring a professional buggy driver or a 4x4 vehicle from Natal is the safest way to navigate the dunes.
Weekends see a massive influx of local crowds and loud music, which can diminish the tranquil vibe. For a more peaceful experience, visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday before the mid-morning buggy tours arrive.
Allocating ninety minutes to two hours is sufficient to enjoy the freshwater, ride the zipline, and have a quick drink. This allows you to stay on schedule for larger North Coast tours.
Public lockers are virtually non-existent, so it is best to leave valuables in a locked buggy or with your driver. Most visitors keep their belongings in sight on their rented tables in the shallow water.