Dive in pools that surge between the corals, surrounded by schools of tiny fish, lobsters, shrimp and other marine species, in an ambiental protection area.

This is the picture of a paradise called Parrachos da praia de Maracajaú, frontier of the Litoral das Emoções, 65 kilometers from Natal and today is one of the areas most sought after by tourists. It is located in an area of coral formations which has been transformed into an APA (Ambiental Protection Area) which is located along the coast which consists of the beaches (praias) of Maracajaú, Pititinga, Zumbi, Rio do Fogo and Touros.

Inside this coral group is the area of Maracajaú, known better as parrachos, occupying an area of 13 sq. kilometers, at variable depths to four meters, at low tide, and located seven kilometers from the beach. As a tourist attraction, it transforms an old fisherman colony into a tourist product of Rio Grande do Norte, and also serves the natural ecology with the preservation care necessary.

Actually four companies work the parrachos: Portal de Maracajaú, Maracajaú Diver, Corais de Maracajaú and Ma-noa, offering an operational structure of barges, launches and catamarans.

It is recommended that, as a maximum, the companies bring 500 persons per day and that they simply do orientations, before the trips, concerning the importance of the corals in the maritime food chain and how to enjoy their dive without agitating or causing irreparable damage to nature.

The day of most movement is Friday, and the least, unbelievably seems to be Sunday. Monday and Tuesday are the preferred days by the Scandinavian and Italian tourists. Natalense like Saturday.

To enjoy the Parrachos there is the option of diving, which includes the right to use fins, masks and snorkel. On board the Catamaran and the barges are offered petiscos (fast foods), refrigerants (soft drinks) and drinks, at prices identical to those on the praia.. Constant concern is with the safety of the tourist. Service personnel are trained to assist in accident cases there are life vests, which are carried during the trip. For those that enjoy adventure, it is best to do the trip on the speed boats, which take only 12 minutes to arrive. For the catamarans that serve the barges the trip takes 35 minutes, with more comfort. Attention, you should observe the time of low tide, because this is when the trips take place.

Amazonia businessman Luiz Eduardo Bento da Silva started his company Portal de Maracajaú, which is a little more than five years ago, to explore the destination. When he arrived in Natal, Luiz Eduardo completed a series of visits in Rio Grande do Norte with the idea of making a business. He already had a preference for Rio Grande do Norte, because of a visit 15 years ago.

The trip by boat from the Portal takes three hours, with about 35 minutes to arrive and about 35 minutes to return, the rest of the time is for swimming and diving. Because of the size of the boats, he doesn't use the barges, used by the others. With a average capacity of 100 persons, each catamaran would make one trip per day, during the period of low tide.

Services

Access is by BR-101 (between Natal / Touros). There are good signs indicating the road to the praia.

There are optional transports, but the hotels and travel agents offer trips of one day.

There is an infra-structure of pousadas for accommodations.

The companies that operate the parrachos offer bar and restaurant services.

Destino do Sol appreciates the support of Portal de Maracajaú