Aguas Belas, which means beautiful waters, is a calm beach on the coast southeast of Fortaleza, in the municipality of Cascavel. It is less famous than Canoa Quebrada or Jericoacoara, which is exactly its appeal: wide sand, coconut palms, small beach bars and a relaxed local feel. The beach is sheltered by reefs in places, creating calmer pools that are good for wading and for children, and the village has a handful of simple restaurants serving fish, shrimp and crab. Tours that include a buggy ride add a bit of adventure, with a driver taking you across the dunes to lookout points and, on some programmes, to the nearby beach of Barra Nova, where the landscape changes to a long, empty stretch of sand and sea. The combination of beach, dunes and a laid-back lunch makes for a gentle day out, and because the trip is shorter than the long-distance excursions, it leaves you with more time to enjoy the sand. For travellers who want a break from the busy city beaches without a full-day drive, it is a good choice. It also suits those who prefer a quieter pace and an authentic village atmosphere rather than a large tourist resort, and it is easy to fit into a trip that is mostly about culture and city life.
How to visit well
Bring a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen and a hat, and take a small amount of cash for lunch, drinks and tips. The buggy drivers are local and know the dunes well, so listen to their safety instructions, hold on and keep your belongings in a closed bag.
Tides influence how the beach looks and the available swimming spots, so ask your driver where it is best to swim at the time of your visit. The reef pools at low tide can be shallow and calm, while at high tide the water is deeper and the waves stronger.
Lunch is typically fish, shrimp or lobster, depending on the season and your budget, served with rice, farofa and salad. The tour will often include a stop at a viewpoint over the dunes and the sea, where you can take photographs. Because the beach is quieter, services are simpler than in major resorts, so bring water and snacks if you have special dietary needs.
The dry season is the most reliable for sunshine, while the green season brings more rain but lush scenery. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. If you are travelling with children, the shallow pools and the gentle atmosphere are a good fit, though the buggy ride has age and height restrictions with some operators. Couples and small groups who like unhurried days, and anyone who wants to see an authentic stretch of the Ceara coast, will find this a pleasant, uncrowded outing.
A final tip
Take snacks and drinks if you have dietary requirements, because small villages offer simple menus. Ask your driver for a short stop to photograph the dunes and watch for birds near the water. The beach is at its prettiest in the late afternoon, so if the schedule allows, stay until the colours soften before heading back to Fortaleza.
What to expect
The experience
A day at a calm beach with a buggy ride across the dunes and a stop at the neighbouring beach of Barra Nova.
Best time
Dry months for the clearest skies; weekdays are quietest.
How long
A full day or a long half day, including transfers.
Tips
Bring sunscreen, a towel and cash, listen to the buggy driver, and ask about tides before swimming.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who prefer quiet beaches and local villages.
- Families
- Shallow reef pools suit young children, subject to tides.
- Couples
- A slow lunch and a long walk on an empty beach.
- Pair with
- Morro Branco and Praia das Fontes on another day.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Where is Aguas Belas?+
On the coast southeast of Fortaleza, in the municipality of Cascavel, a short drive from the city.
Is it crowded?+
Much less than the famous beaches, especially on weekdays.
Is there a buggy ride?+
Yes, this programme includes a buggy tour across the dunes and a visit to Barra Nova.
Can children swim there?+
The reef pools can be calm at low tide, but always supervise children and ask locally about tides.
What should I eat?+
Fresh fish, shrimp and crab at the beach bars, served with rice and farofa.
