Lagoa de Jacuma
Natal, Northeast Brazil
Surrounded by sand dunes and lush greenery, Lagoa de Jacumã serves as both a scenic body of water and an adventure playground. Along with swimming in its clear waters, you can enjoy an aerial view of it as you soar over the surface on a zipline that ends with a plunge into the lagoon.
The basics
Other activities on offer at Lagoa de Jacumã include skibunda, where you use a board to slide down the sand dunes into the water below, and kamicase, in which you slide down a slippery tarpaulin to reach greater speeds. Lagoa de Jacumã is sometimes included on tours of Natal’s north coast, which typically combine it with the Dunas de Genipabu, where you can hurtle along the sands in a dune buggy.
Things to know before you go
- While the lagoon itself is free to enter and swim in, you’ll need to pay extra for other activities.
- There are a few rustic stalls providing snacks, but it’s a good idea to bring your own water and cash in small denominations.
- There are very basic bathrooms at the lagoon, but very little in terms of accommodation options.
How to get there
The nearest town to Lagoa de Jacumã is Jacuma, a 15-minute drive away. The closest big city is Natal, 19 miles (32 kilometers) away, which takes around 45 minutes by car. To save you from climbing to the top of the zipline, there’s a motorized car, while a small boat picks up people who have dropped into the water.
When to get there
You can visit Lagoa de Jacumã any day, but arrive from mid-morning through mid-afternoon to ensure all activity centers and rental stalls are open; avoid visiting after dark for safety reasons. The best time to travel to the province of Natal is during the summer, from December through March.
The highlights of Natal
Lagoa de Jacumã isn’t the only natural wonder in north Brazil’s stunning Natal region. Other highlights include Ponta Negra Beach, with golden sand and crystal-clear water; the 16th-century Fortaleza dos Reis Magos at the mouth of the Potengi River; and Parrachos de Maracajaú, a coral reef ideal for snorkeling.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!