Genipabu
Extremoz, Rio Grande do Norte, 59575-000
Known for its shifting sands and freshwater lagoons, the beach village of Genipabu attracts travelers who come for adventure on the rolling dunes. The winds shifting across the sand means that the landscape of Genipabu is always changing. The sands pile up into dunes that rise and fall, creating ridges and mounds across the shores and eventually plunging into the sea.
The basics
There are a few different ways to explore the mounds of shifting sand, with varying degrees of adrenaline—from camel rides to dune buggy tours to sandboarding (esquibunda) down the hot dunes and into the cool water. Certain areas of the dunes are accessible only by certified dune buggy drivers, who will ask if you want your ride “with emotion” or without, to determine the level of desired thrills. While Genipabu is often visited as a day trip from Natal, it’s worth lingering overnight to take in a sunset from the top of the dunes.
Things to know before you go
- Don’t forget to pack a beach towel, swimsuit, and change of clothes.
- Be sure to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen; apply it frequently, as there is little shade on the dunes.
- Grab a meal at one of the many shacks on the beach, or opt for a cheap lunch at the Santa Rita bus station.
How to get there
Genipabu is 19 miles (30 kilometers) north of Natal in the Extremoz area of the Rio Grande do Norte. It is often visited as a day trip from Natal, often by sand buggy.
When to get there
The best season for a dune adventure in Genipabu is during the dry season, from September to January. The afternoon is a particularly popular time to visit, with the sunset being a highlight for many.
Natal’s Best Beaches
Genipabu is one of Natal’s most unique beaches, but visitors will find no shortage of places to enjoy a day of sun, sand, and sea. Ponta Negra Beach at the southern end of town ranks among the best urban beaches, with consistent surf, dunes at either end, and lots of beach bars lining the sand. Calm waters make Camurupim Beach a popular spot for families, while the cliff-backed Tabatinga Beach remains a favorite with locals—and a popular spot for paragliding.
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