Cabedelo

Areia Vermelha Island

The sandbank that only exists at low tide, in Cabedelo: how to get there by catamaran, how long the island stays exposed and what to bring.

Short answer

How long does the trip to Areia Vermelha take?

Usually 3 to 4 hours, counting the crossing and the time on the island — which the tide limits.

Como chegar a Areia Vermelha

The catamarans leave from Camboinha beach, in Cabedelo, about 30 minutes by car from the João Pessoa seafront. The crossing to the sandbank takes a few minutes.

There is no access on foot or by land — the island is out at sea, and appears only at low tide.

A janela de maré

Like Picãozinho, the trip depends entirely on the tide table. The island appears at low tide and vanishes when the water rises again, which sets the boats' departure time each day.

Nas luas nova e cheia, as marés ficam mais baixas e a faixa de areia exposta é maior.

What to expect

The island has no permanent facilities: what is there is set up by the operators during the tide window — usually chairs, umbrellas and a drinks service.

Take sunscreen, a hat and water. There is no natural shade, and the sun reflects hard off the pale sand.

We work with local partners in João Pessoa for airport transfers, guided tours and car rental. Tell us what you'd like to do and we'll point you to the right one.

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Questions

What guests usually ask

How long does the trip to Areia Vermelha take?

Usually 3 to 4 hours, counting the crossing and the time on the island — which the tide limits.

A ilha some mesmo?

Yes. It is a sandbank that is submerged when the tide rises and reappears at low tide.

Qual a diferença entre Areia Vermelha e Picãozinho?

Picãozinho is a set of reef pools off Tambaú, with coral and fish. Areia Vermelha is a sandbank in Cabedelo, with shallow water around it. Both depend on low tide.

Tem estrutura na ilha?

There are no permanent facilities. Chairs, umbrellas and service are set up by the operators during the tide window.

De onde saem os barcos?

Da praia de Camboinha, em Cabedelo, a cerca de 30 minutos de carro da orla de João Pessoa.

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Where to stay

Our apartments for this trip

Cabedelo

Mar Bello Plaza

One hundred and thirty metres from the sand at Intermares, in Cabedelo. A surf beach, with surfing and kitesurfing year-round on the Mar do Macaco stretch.

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Cabedelo

NOA Residence Club

A new development on Ponta de Campina beach, in Cabedelo, with a water park, gym, barbecue areas, games room and kids' room. Five minutes on foot from the sand, where the sea is calm — the opposite of the surf at Intermares, two kilometres to the south.

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Tambaú, João Pessoa

Aruanda

Five apartments of ours in a quiet building on Silvino Lopes. Tambaú beach is a thirteen-minute walk — close enough to go in flip-flops, far enough to sleep in silence.

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Where to stay

Know your dates yet?We'll handle the rest.

See our stays