White sand dunes filled with rainwater lagoons. 1,500 km² of a landscape that doesn't quite look real. Best between June and September when the lagoons are full.
Climb the steep dune, swim in the lagoon at the top, watch the sand turn orange.
Atins is one of Brazil's top kite spots. Flat water, steady wind, no crowds.
Multi-day guided crossing from Atins to Santo Amaro. Bedouin-style camps between dunes.
Through mangroves to Pequenos Lençóis. Stop at a small fishing village for lunch.
Tucupi-based seafood. The chef forages mangrove crabs that morning.
Rustic, beachside, fresh fish grilled in palm leaves.
Northeastern home cooking. Tapioca, cuscuz, fresh juices.
The classic — half-moon of turquoise water between dunes.
Larger, deeper, the locals' swim spot.
Where the sand sea meets the actual sea.
The park has no roads — you go in by 4x4 from Barreirinhas or Atins, or you walk. Atins is the more interesting base: smaller, no concrete, and you wake up to the dunes. Avoid Jan–May; lagoons can be muddy or dry.
