Barra da Lagoa

What makes it special

Stop halfway across the metal footbridge and look down the canal to the sea. The bridge is one of the area's postcard views, and the water below runs a clear blue-green.

Fishing still keeps much of the village going. Across the bridge stand the small houses of the fishing community and a quiet cove called Prainha, still little visited.

A stone breakwater about 200 metres long runs out from the canal mouth, with a small light at its tip for boats at night. The wall shelters the water beside it, so the sea there is calmer than on the open beach. Walk out along it for photographs and the sunset.

On the main beach, 50 metres from the sea, stands the Projeto Tamar visitor centre. The project's base here works to reduce the harm fishing does to sea turtles across southern Brazil.

Visiting

Plan the day around two fixed points: the pools in the first half and the 3.30pm turtle feeding at the Tamar centre. From the canal, cross the footbridge to the fishing community's side, where signs marked "Piscinas naturais" lead onto the trail.

The trail is light going, about 15 minutes, with logs set into the ground as steps.

After a swim, walk back over the bridge to the main beach for the feeding. The centre opens Wednesday to Monday, 9.30am to 5pm.

Guided or on your own

The Tamar centre runs a guided visit daily at 11am, with a second one at 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. A monitor stays with the group the whole way round, explaining how sea turtles live and grow.

Time your arrival to join one if you want the turtles explained in person. The canal, the village and the pools need no guide.

Tips

On a wet day, go to the Tamar centre first, since it is built for visits in the rain. With children, arrive in time for the 1.45pm children's feeding, when a few of them help the keeper feed the turtles. Children up to five enter free.

A family can stay on for the 3.30pm turtle feeding as well. For the pools, wear shoes that grip wet rock.