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Barra do Canhaú beach has perfect conditions for surfing and kite surfing but is still popular with swimmers as well—particularly where the reefs form natural pools between the mouths of the Catú and Curimatau rivers. It’s possible to visit the beach on a day trip from Natal or explore the area on a guided quad bike tour. For those who’d like to see a bit more of the Rio Grande do Norte coast can opt for a jeep tour, with stops at Barra do Cunhaú, Sibauma Beach, Praia do Amor, the Chapadão Hill lookout, and Guaraíaras Lagoon.
Barra do Canhaú is located 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Natal International Airport and 15 minutes from the popular tourist town of Pipa. If you don’t have a car, the best way to get there is as part of a guided day trip.
Sunshine throughout the year means there isn’t really a bad time to visit Barra do Canhaú. July and November through February tend to be the busiest months. November is often the driest, while January is the warmest.
Shrimping is a major industry in Barra do Canhaú—the area is the second-largest shrimp producer in Brazil. Seafood features prominently in the local cuisine, so don’t leave town without sampling some fried shrimp or local lobster.