Top Fortaleza Day Trips

Beach hopping is one of the Fortaleza area’s top activities, but it can be hard to get between the spread-out beaches independently, especially if you’re short on time. Visit three beautiful beaches in one well-planned day tour to Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes, and Canoa Quebrada. Learn more about these distinct places from your guide, get the chance to swim and take photos, and even take an optional buggy ride.

Embark on an unforgettable Panoramic City Tour to discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Fortaleza. Afterwards, journey to Cumbuco Beach, a stunning destination known for its mesmerizing sand dune landscapes. This vacation paradise offers everything from luxurious hotels, lively bars, and exquisite restaurants. Optional activities include horseback riding, dune buggy adventures, and exhilarating ski-bunda rides down the high-speed sand dunes!

Passing through Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes, and Canoa Quebrada, the tour crosses three of the most beautiful points along the eastern coast of Ceará, all done in a dynamic and informative manner, with the right amount of time to enjoy each location! Explore the incredible cliffs of Morro Branco, the beautiful crystal-clear water springs of Praia das Fontes, and the internationally famous beach of Canoa Quebrada!

Travelers wanting to visit one of Ceará's beach destinations, without committing to the long drive to Jericoacoara or settling for rustic conditions at smaller beaches, face limited options. This full-day option offers an alternative with amenities: Praia do Cumbuco sits 19 miles (30 kilometers) west of Fortaleza, with developed infrastructure, including a beachfront tent with pools, a water park, and a restaurant (own expense).

Explore Lagoinha Beach in the district of Paraipaba on this full-day trip from Fortaleza. A former hiding place for treasure buried by French pirates, this area is now a tranquil fishing village. Spend time lounging on the beach or strolling through the towering red dunes and swaying palm trees at your leisure. Opt for a dune buggy tour, a horseback riding excursion or a jaganda (sailboat) ride on Almecegas Pond.

We start with breakfast in the tranquil municipality of Paraipaba, where the aromas of local delicacies blend with the sea breeze. Next, we head to Lagoa do Paraíso, where the sustainable tourism fee is paid. Here, travelers have time to immerse themselves in the crystal-clear waters and relax in the famous hammocks over the water. The next stop is Buraco Azul, a hidden natural pool nestled among ancient rocks, where the water shines with a deep blue that captivates visitors' eyes. The Árvore da Preguiça (Sloth Tree) offers a unique opportunity to capture memorable moments. Entering the vibrant village of Jericoacoara, travelers are invited to explore an ecological walk that leads us to the majestic Pedra Furada (Holed Stone), a natural landmark that echoes legends and ancient stories. As the sun sets, Jericoacoara National Park transforms into a spectacle of colors, especially at the Dunas da Lagoa do Amâncio (Amâncio Lagoon Dunes), where we stop to witness the mesmerizing sunset.

Swap the urban beaches and bustle of Fortaleza for the more relaxed sand dunes and lagoons of Cumbuco Beach, without the hassle of public buses or self-driving, on this full-day guided tour. At Cumbuco Beach, enjoy free time to relax or take part in optional outdoor activities such as dune buggy rides, windsurfing, or kiteboarding (extra fees apply).

Remote, and with no paved roads, visiting Jericoacoara National Park requires a 4WD, and insider knowledge, which makes visiting on your own difficult. This guided day tour from Fortaleza simplifies your logistics, and allows you to visit the park’s highlights, including Paradise Lagoon, the Blue Hole, Pedra Furada, and Sunset Dune, all in one day.

This excursion is uniquely significant as it marks the first-ever colonial tour in Ceará, offering a deep dive into the region's rich history. Aquiraz, founded in 1699, is one of the oldest colonial cities, showcasing stunning architecture and cultural landmarks. By visiting sites like the Igreja de São José de Ribamar and the Museu da Cachaça, participants gain invaluable insights into the historical and cultural evolution of Ceará. The excursion provides an immersive experience, combining storytelling with local traditions, making it a remarkable journey that highlights the essence of Ceará’s heritage and the enduring legacy of its colonial past.

If you want to get out to explore Lagoinha Beach, then this is the transportation for you. There are a few pick up locations, all leaving early in the morning. You can leave from Praia do Futuro, Avenida Beira Mar, or Iracema Beach. You can also arrange for hotel pickup. You’ll have optional activities, like buggy rides, visits to the Almecegas lagoon by catamaran, and spending time in the red dunes and at several viewpoints.

Our Tour is very different because it combines the same day cultural and historical tour including one of the most beautiful beaches of the coast of Ceará. This tour lasts a full day. The tour begins with the main sights of Fortaleza with a stop for shopping in the Old Public Jail (Today Handicraft Center). After we follow towards Cumbuco Beach. Cumbuco Beach is located 38 km from Fortaleza, in the municipality of Caucaia, west coast, and is considered one of the most traditional of Ceará coast. Its main attractions are a fishing village, coconut palms by the sea and one of the most beautiful dune chains of the Ceará coast. In addition to the natural beauty, the beach offers an infrastructure of beach huts with varied cuisine, bathrooms and freshwater showers. Visitors can also enjoy various local (optional) rides such as buggy, raft (the yacht from Ceará) or take the romantic trip by yoke.

Jericoacoara is one of Ceará's most-visited beach destinations, but the 186-mile (300-kilometer) drive and protected dunes zone make it a multi-day trip for most travelers. Beat the time crunch with an early morning departure from Fortaleza, followed by a vehicle change at Jijoca to enter the protected zone by 4WD and cross the dunes and lagoons into Jericoacoara—all in a single long day.

Águas Belas Beach near Fortaleza offers spectacular natural scenery—including views of where the Malcoiled River meets the Atlantic Ocean—but it can be tricky to reach independently. Simplify your day there with a handy group tour from Fortaleza. Hang out at the beach, hike to lookout points, and hop on an optional buggy ride for an active adventure. Return to Fortaleza in the late afternoon after a fun day out.

Covering Ceará's east coast independently means renting a car, navigating between three municipalities, tackling unfamiliar roads, timing each stop around tide and daylight, and finding the Morro Branco labyrinth trailhead on your own—a whole lot of work. Save yourself the hassle and join this guided tour, with free time to explore at Canoa Quebrada, Praia das Fontes, and Morro Branco.

Discover the serene beauty of Lagoinha, Ceará - an inviting paradise for travelers in search of sunny and refreshing days away from the hustle and bustle of northeastern Brazil. On the golden sands of this Ceará beach, tranquility embraces visitors as they marvel at the breathtaking landscapes - freshwater lagoons, majestic cliffs, swaying coconut groves and a dazzling green sea. Lagoinha, one of the jewels of Brazil, is a charming district belonging to the municipality of Paraipaba, located in the western part of Ceará, towards Jericoacoara. In this serene haven, local businesses close for lunch, and serenity reigns like a queen. So, if you are planning your next vacation trip to Fortaleza, don't miss the opportunity to explore the wonders of Lagoinha. She awaits you with open arms, ready to provide you with a memorable and invigorating experience.

Explore Canoa Quebrada on this full-day adventure from Fortaleza. Travel the scenic 95 miles (156 km) along the Sol Nascente Hightway with a knowledgable local guide. Upon arrival at Canoa Quebrada, meet the locals and admire the way the small village seems to have frozen in a more peaceful time. Opt for a dune buggy ride through the pink sands and be sure to try one of the area's famous seafood dishes at one of the cafes that line the beach.

Head off the beaten path and see sides of Jericoacoara—from Pedra Furada to tranquil village sunsets—that most tourists don't get to experience as you explore with a local guide by your side. Let your guide worry about the itinerary while you focus on sightseeing, with hotel pickup for a seamless experience.

Praia da Lagoinha sits 71 miles (115 kilometers) west of Fortaleza in the small fishing village of Paraipaba, with a horseshoe-shaped bay framed by clifftop dunes—quieter and less developed than the busier beaches that sit closer to the city. Get there with ease on this full-day tour, which covers the drive each way, with time at the natural viewpoint above the bay and on the sand below.

Fortaleza's east coast holds three distinct beaches within a single day's reach—the colored-sand cliffs of Morro Branco, the mineral water springs at Praia das Fontes, and the larger beach village of Canoa Quebrada—but getting to them independently can be tricky. Explore all three with free time at each, without the need to worry about logistics or navigation, on this full-day tour.