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Praia do Campeche

Wide, wind-swept surf beach with an offshore island of prehistoric rock inscriptions.

Where
Campeche
Time needed
Half day
Tickets
Free
Free entry
Free · Boat to Ilha do Campeche R$100 return · Island fee R$60
Wide open beach at Campeche with the offshore island in the distance Wide open beach at Campeche with the offshore island in the distance

What to expect at Praia do Campeche

Praia do Campeche is the long, exposed beach on the south-east side of the island, backed by low dunes and vacation homes rather than towers. What makes it different from Joaquina or Mole is the view: Ilha do Campeche, a small green island one kilometre offshore, sits in the middle of everything you see. The island is a federally protected archaeological site with over a hundred rock inscriptions from indigenous peoples over 4,000 years old, and it's the reason Campeche is the beach most seriously interested in Brazilian pre-history and impact-conscious tourism at once.

On the mainland side, the visit is simple: pick a boardwalk (numbered 1 through 6), walk down, and stake out sand. The wave is real Atlantic surf and the water is a couple of degrees cooler than the north-shore beaches; kite-surfers set up at the south end near Morro das Pedras. To visit the island you walk to the boat point at the south end of the beach, pay the boatman R$100 for a return crossing, and pay a separate R$60 environmental fee on landing — daily visitors are capped at 800, so arrive by 09:30 in high season.

Best from October to April, with December offering the best chance of calm-enough seas for the island crossing. Book the island through a licensed operator (Turismo Ilha do Campeche) rather than a random boatman if you want a guided walk to the inscriptions — it costs R$180 and includes the fee. Rua Pequeno Principe behind the beach has the island's best neighbourhood restaurants (Aipim, Cafe Cultura); great for lunch after a morning swim.

Plan your visit TicketsFree Free entryFree · Boat to Ilha do Campeche R$100 return · Island fee R$60 Time neededHalf day WhereCampeche Opening hours Beach open 24 h Boats to island 9:00-16:00 Kiosks 10:00-20:00 Hotels near Praia do Campeche

Questions about Praia do Campeche

How much does Praia do Campeche cost?

Free. The Ilha do Campeche boat is R$100 return plus a R$60 island access fee.

When is it free?

The mainland beach is always free. The island fee is charged every day it operates.

How long should I stay?

Half a day for the beach; a full day if you include the island.

Any closed days?

Beach never closes. Ilha do Campeche closes when seas are too rough — usually 10-15 days a year.

Do I need to book?

For the island, book a spot the night before through Turismo Ilha do Campeche or arrive at the boat point by 09:00.

How do I get there?

Bus 331 or 332 Campeche from TICEN; drop at Praca Jose Delfino dos Santos, walk 400 m.

Where to stay

Hotels near Praia do Campeche

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