← João Pessoa International Marathon·3 nights

Natural Pools and a Slow Week in João Pessoa

Three extra nights from one base, with a rest day, a city visit and a tide-dependent catamaran trip to the natural pools, and one spare day in case the sea says no.

Duration3 nights
TransitCatamaran from the coast, with hotel pickup; operator-led and tide dependent
DepartsJoão Pessoa beachfront hotels

After the João Pessoa International Marathon: The Natural Pools

The Route: João Pessoa beach hotel → Catamaran to the natural pools → João Pessoa beach hotel → Airport Logistics: Three extra nights at one hotel. The catamaran trip has hotel pickup, takes about six hours in all and can spend up to three hours at the pools, depending on the tide. The rest of the week is by operator tour and taxi. Marathon Month: August Duration: 3 nights

Beach hotel ──(operator pickup)──> Catamaran ──(tide permitting)──> Natural pools ──> Catamaran ──> Beach hotel
Beach hotel ──(taxi)──> Airport (JPA)

João Pessoa sits near the easternmost edge of the Americas, and its sea is part of the attraction. The natural pools are reached by water, and the sea sets the timetable, so this itinerary is built around one fixed day and one spare.

August in João Pessoa is wet, with around 200 mm of rain across the month on long-term normals and highs near 28°C. Rain can cancel a boat trip, and tides decide how long you get at the pools. Look at the tide table for your date before you reserve, and leave a day in hand.

Night one: rest

Spend the Monday at the hotel. If you want to walk, the waterfront avenues in front of the hotels are on the coastal plain at the foot of the bluff, which is flat. Keep it short.

Night two: the city

Take the city tour on Tuesday. Luck Receptivo runs it from Tuesday to Sunday with partner-hotel transport and treats São Francisco admission as an extra. The Centro Cultural São Francisco is closed on Mondays and open on Tuesday from 09:30 to 17:00, with a full admission of R$24. Check the hours at centroculturalsaofrancisco.org.br first, and ask about steps, since the address is Ladeira São Francisco, a slope.

Night three: the pools

The catamaran trip to the Piscinas Naturais do Extremo Oriental is the main event. The operator offers hotel pickup, about six hours in all and up to three at the pools, depending on the tide. Boarding and wet, uneven footing are the hard part three days after a marathon. Say so when you book, ask whether a hand is available at the ramp and keep your hat and sunscreen to hand. Prices vary, so check the current rate with the operator.

If the sea or the weather cancels the trip, use the spare day for the north-coast tour, which has fixed weekday departures, or for another rest.

Where to stay

Stay at one hotel for all three nights. Hplus Beach João Pessoa (Avenida Cabo Branco 1984) offered a discount to marathon runners for a recent edition, and Oceana Atlântico (Avenida Argemiro de Figueiredo 2100, Jardim Oceania) is a second option towards the north of the beach area. Ask either about luggage storage and late checkout.

Where to eat

Mangai (Avenida General Edson Ramalho 696, Manaíra) and NAU Frutos do Mar (Rua Lupércio Branco 130, Manaíra) are both on the city's tourism list and take bookings online. Menus and hours change, so ring ahead.

Getting to the airport

João Pessoa's Presidente Castro Pinto Airport (JPA) is in Bayeux. The airport operator lists a 24-hour taxi and a pickup point for app cars. The airport bus runs on weekdays and Saturdays with limited departures. Agree the fare with the driver before you start.