Best things to do in Porto de Galinhas

The name of Muro Alto Beach derives from the "High Wall" of natural reefs about 2 km (1.2 mi) long, which form a huge natural pool without waves. These high reefs surround the beach forming a natural swimming pool without waves. These calm waters allow you to rent a kayak or canoe to explore the wall. Resorts, hotels, and Pousadas (Bed & Breakfasts) surround the area, as well as kiosks selling snacks and craft souvenirs.

Due to its landscape consisting of estuaries, mangroves, coconut trees, and abundant nature richness, Vila de Porto de Galinhas Beach is famous for being one of the most beautiful beaches of the Brazilian coast. You'll find plenty of entertainment by day and night at dozens of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, luxurious hotels, pousadas, and shops.

You can charter a boat called a jaganda, or rent a kayak or canoe to ride out to the natural pools created by 6.5 km (4 mi) long reef formations. These calm pools are great for snorkeling in the warm waters full of unusual plants and tropical fish. The rocky formations formed by coral reefs can be sharp, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. These reefs are the closest to the coast in all of Brazil, making it a popular and developed beach setting. Your timing has to be perfect if you want to swim in the pools because the reefs are only available at very low tide, which occurs for only about two hours a day.

Wait for the surf at Pontal de Maracaipe, a huge headland with a wide white beach and some flat rocky parts. Boasting some of the best waves in the area, the beach has hosted several surfing, stand up boarding, and kitesurfing championships. If you'd rather relax, you can laze around on a deck chair, have a leisurely swim, or take a stroll along the shore.

The island of Praia dos Carneiros is famous for its soft, white sandy beaches, natural pools, and for its dozens of shipwrecks that attract snorkelers and divers. You can get to the island dotted with coconut trees by chartering a catamaran, or by driving--but be warned that the island beach is somewhat private so in order to access it you may have to stay at one of the resorts, hotels, or Pousadas (B&B), or you can dine at one of the restaurants for access.

Comprising a museum, an art gallery, a library, and a large park, Ricardo Brennand Institute holds a permanent collection of historic and artistic objects from diverse sources. Collections range from Early Middle Ages to the 20th century, with a strong emphasis on objects, documents, and artwork related to Colonial and Dutch Brazil. You'll see the world's largest assemblage of paintings by Frans Post in the art gallery.

The Institute houses one of the largest collections of armory in the world, with 3,000 pieces including a rich collection of knives and melee weapons--the majority of which were produced in Europe and Asia between the 14th and 19th century. One of the highlights is the set of 27 full plate armors, including shields, helmets, gauntlets, and chain mail produced between the 14th and the 17th centuries, as well as armor for dogs and horses.

The collection of decorative arts includes objects from Europe, Asia, and Africa that date back to the 17th century, such as candlesticks, candelabra, jugs, mosaics, stained glass windows, miniature caskets, Chinese ceramics, and musical instruments. The fine art collection comprises paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings dating back to the 15th century represented by local Brazilian artists and European painters.

You can browse in the library that has over 62,000 volumes ranging from the 16th to 20th century, including books, pamphlets, magazines, newspapers, sheet music, phonograph records, photographs, iconographic albums, and rare works, including a collection of Brazilian texts and rare items. Featured pieces in the collections include the 17th-century painting "Armor Collection" by Francesco Maltese, "White Slaves Market" by Domenico Rosso from 1884, and "Waterfall in the Forest" by Frans Post in 1657.

Palms and gardens line the upscale avenue in the Boa Viagem Beach neighborhood with a beach by the same name that's popular for young 20 or 30-something travelers. The beach and parks offer many sports such as tennis, volleyball, football (soccer), and personal training with free equipment. As one of the most visited beaches in Northeastern Brazil, kiosks furnish comforts for you to rent such as chairs and umbrellas for enjoying the crystal-blue waters. This neighborhood has many outdoor cafes, restaurants, and a lively nightclub scene, which is its signature draw for tourism. Be aware that the neighborhood and beach has many people that ask for money or goods while you relax on the beach--especially if you look like you are spending a lot of money. Swimming and surfing is not recommended, especially after dark because aggressive tiger and bull sharks swim throughout these waters.

Perfect your snorkeling chops at Gales de Maragogi, a set of natural pools formed by coral reefs. You can also join guided scuba diving tours with instructors here, taking inexperienced visitors to deeper waters and underwater caves.