Dunes
River
Mangrove ♥

Beach in Fortaleza

Praia da Sabiaguaba

The wildest stretch of coast in Fortaleza: dunes, mangroves and the spot where the Rio Cocó meets the sea.

Things to do →How to get there

📍 Praia do Futuro, Fortaleza

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WhereEastern edge of Fortaleza
📏
From the centreAbout 15 km
🚗
From the Beira Mar30 to 40 min by car
🌿
ProtectedNature area since 2006

About Praia da Sabiaguaba

Nature inside the city limits

Sabiaguaba lies on the eastern edge of Fortaleza, where the Rio Cocó flows into the sea. It is the only part of the city with a largely natural coastline: the only dune field in Fortaleza, mangroves, coastal scrub (restinga) and a beach that is not yet lined with barracas and houses. Since 20 February 2006 the area has been protected as a dune park (Parque Natural Municipal das Dunas de Sabiaguaba) and as an environmental protection area (APA de Sabiaguaba).

✅ Good for

Dunes, river, mangrove and sea in one place
Quiet, away from the busy city beaches
Simple food at a small barraca

⚠️ Less good for

Lots of facilities or big barracas
Driving a 4x4 or picnicking in the dune park (not allowed)

📷
Photo coming soon

Tip: the dune park itself is only meant for research and educational visits. Leave nothing behind.

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Featured at Sabiaguaba

Barracas, eco tours and places to stay around Sabiaguaba that want to be seen here.

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Spot available

🍤

Your barraca here

For the barracas and restaurants by the river and the beach.

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Spot available

🌿

Your eco tour here

For guided nature walks and trips.

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Spot available

🏡

Your pousada here

For places to stay on this side of the city.

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Experiences

Things to do at Sabiaguaba

🏜️

Dunes, river and mangrove

One of the few places where you see dunes, river, mangrove, restinga and sea in a single visit.

🌊

The mouth of the Rio Cocó

Here the river meets the sea. The protected area runs as far as the mouth of the Rio Pacoti.

🍤

Eat at a barraca

A few small barracas serve typical dishes and snacks: simple, but local.

🌵

Cactus field and the Duna da Baleia

Two well-known spots in Sabiaguaba. The Duna da Baleia is threatened by careless visitors, so stay on the paths.

Good to know

Protected area and practical tips

Sabiaguaba is protected nature. This is how you help keep it that way.

🌿

Dune park

In the Parque Natural Municipal das Dunas only research and educational visits are allowed. No 4x4 trips and no picnics.

🏜️

Fragile dunes

Leave no litter and no tracks behind.

🍽️

Few facilities

There are only a few small barracas. Plan for that.

🚗

Getting there

30 to 40 minutes by car from the Beira Mar.

Location

How to get there

Open in Google Maps →

📍 Where: On the eastern edge of Fortaleza, at the mouth of the Rio Cocó, past Praia do Futuro.
🚗 Car or Uber: 30 to 40 minutes from the Beira Mar.

Getting around Fortaleza →

Frequently asked questions

Questions about Sabiaguaba

Is Sabiaguaba in Fortaleza?

Yes. Sabiaguaba is a neighbourhood of Fortaleza on the eastern edge of the city, about 15 km from the centre.

Is Sabiaguaba protected?

Yes. Since 20 February 2006 there are two protected areas: the dune park (Parque Natural Municipal das Dunas de Sabiaguaba) and the environmental protection area APA de Sabiaguaba.

Can you get food there?

A few small barracas serve typical dishes and snacks. Do not expect the big beach restaurants of Praia do Futuro.

Sources: O POVO (2020): A multifacetada Sabiaguaba · O POVO (2026): Boca da Barra da Sabiaguaba · Lorenzigo: Praia de Sabiaguaba

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