Barra do Cunhau Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Barra do Cunhau showing general coastal views, fishing and a sandy beach
Barra do Cunhau showing rocky coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Barra do Cunhau

Enjoy shrimp at a restaurant overlooking tiny sandy islets and swim in the river as it meets the warm ocean.

Barra do Cunhaú is a scenic coastal haven that lies on the banks of the Curimataú River. Palm trees and a sandy beach enclose the river mouth as its freshwater flows into the salty ocean. Along the shore, view the dominating sand dunes dotted with vegetation.

Because the ocean is enclosed by dense forests and the freshwater river, the bay appears more like a massive lake than actual ocean. Enjoy the calm waves and lack of crowds on this relaxing stretch of sand. This beach town is a lesser-known alternative to the nearby Pipa Beach. Spot fishermen dropping nets to catch shrimp near the mangroves. Shrimp production has replaced sugar cane and fishing as the main economic drive of this region.

Watch kite surfers and windsurfers on the river and the ocean. Swim in the warm ocean water with your family as a relief from the hot sun. The water here is full of tiny sandy islands that emerge at low tide. Stroll along these stretches of sand that act as temporary piers to take you out into the ocean. Relax on the sand until sunset to see the changing hues of the brooding sky.

Go beachcombing with your kids along the vast stretch of sand and look for shells and other coastal treasures. Reach the intriguing rocky formations and let your children clamber over them. The riverside walk is particularly scenic in the early evening. Enjoy snacks and refreshments at one of the thatch-roofed bars overlooking the water.

Quaint apartments flank the back end of the beach, with swaying palm trees between them. Try seafood, such as fresh shrimp and lobster, at a charming restaurant.

Barra do Cunhaú is 56 miles (90 kilometers) south of Natal on the coast of Brazil. It overlooks the Atlantic Ocean between the popular areas of Pipa Beach to the north and Baía Formosa on the south. Drive to Pipa Beach in about 45 minutes.

Pousada Cavalo Marinho
Pousada Cavalo Marinho
2.5 out of 5
Rua das Gameleiras, 97, Praia da Pipa, Tibau do Sul, RN
The price is Rp924.851 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
Rp924.851
Rp971.104 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this pousada in Tibau do Sul. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (279 reviews)
"Wonderful!"

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2023

Pousada Cavalo Marinho
Praia Bonita Resort
Praia Bonita Resort
3.5 out of 5
Av Mosenhor Antonio Barros, 13, Praia de Camurupim, Nisia Floresta, RN
The price is Rp984.983 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
Rp984.983
Rp1.034.232 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Nisia Floresta. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Popular attractions Lagoa do Arituba and Praia de Camurupim ...
8/10 Very Good! (369 reviews)
"Good food. Caring staff. Location near the natural pools of Camurupim. Nice swimming pool. Good price"

Reviewed on 2 Oct 2021

Praia Bonita Resort
Sombra e Agua Fresca Floresta
Sombra e Agua Fresca Floresta
3.5 out of 5
Rua das Acácias , 801, Praia de Pipa, Tibau do Sul, RN
The price is Rp3.571.537 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
Rp3.571.537
Rp3.750.113 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Tibau do Sul. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Pipa Beach and Love Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (332 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Sombra e Agua Fresca Floresta
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Solar Água Flats
Solar Água Flats
3.5 out of 5
R. das Gameleiras 1500, Tibau do Sul, RN
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Tibau do Sul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Pipa Beach and Dolphins Bay Beach are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (23 reviews)
"Otimo condomínio e quarto, recomendo."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2025

Solar Água Flats
Pipa Day Flats
Pipa Day Flats
2.5 out of 5
R. Tatuí, Tibau do Sul, RN
Stay at this aparthotel in Tibau do Sul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pipa Beach and Chapadao Park are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (16 reviews)
Super vale a pena!
"Muito confortável e é exatamente igual as fotos. Realmente tem acomodações excelentes e muito aconchegantes. Os flats têm utensílios disponíveis para tudo, caso queiram fazer refeições no local. Tudo muito bem cuidado, novinho e pensado para os hóspedes. Apesar do acesso ser um pouco difícil, eles ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Pipa Day Flats
Pipa Soul Flats
Pipa Soul Flats
3.5 out of 5
1006 R. das Gameleiras, Tibau do Sul, RN
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Tibau do Sul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Pipa Beach and Dolphins Bay Beach are ...
Hospedagem sensacional.
"Excelente hospedagem. Tudo de excelente qualidade e muito bem cuidado. Os funcionários são muito atenciosos."

Reviewed on 8 Jan 2025

Pipa Soul Flats
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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