Things To Do
in Caraguatatuba
Caraguatatuba, often called Caraguá, is a coastal city on the northern coast of São Paulo state known for its long beaches, relaxed surf culture and as a gateway to Serra do Mar. The town blends working fishing neighborhoods, tourist-oriented beach districts and pockets of Atlantic Forest just inland. It’s a popular weekend escape for paulistanos with a lively high season (summer and holiday weekends) when beaches, bars and restaurants fill up.
Outside peak times it offers peaceful seaside promenades, fresh seafood and easy access to hiking and island boat trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the historic center of Caraguatatuba, where you can admire the colonial architecture and vibrant local culture. Stroll through the picturesque streets, stopping by the Church of São Benedito, which dates back to the 18th century. Don't forget to grab a local breakfast of pão na chapa and café com leite at a nearby café.
After a delightful morning, head to the Praça da Cultura where you can enjoy live music and art displays. Explore the nearby artisan markets to find unique handcrafted souvenirs and local delicacies. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, soaking in the scenic views of the ocean and surrounding hills.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant along the coast to indulge in a fresh seafood dinner, with specialties like moqueca or peixe grelhado. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as locals gather to socialize and enjoy the evening breeze. End your night with a sweet treat from a nearby gelateria, savoring the flavors of Brazil.
Start your day at the beautiful Martim de Sá Beach, known for its golden sands and clear waters. Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to explore the coastline and enjoy the refreshing ocean waves. Spend some time sunbathing or playing beach volleyball with the locals.
After a morning of fun, grab a bite at one of the beachside kiosks offering delicious snacks like acarajé and coconut water. Spend the afternoon trying your hand at surfing; there are several surf schools nearby that cater to all skill levels. Alternatively, relax under an umbrella with a good book while listening to the sound of the surf.
As the day winds down, take a leisurely walk along the beach, watching the sunset paint the sky in vibrant hues. Head to a beachfront bar where you can sip on caipirinhas while listening to live samba music. Join the locals for a night of dancing and celebrating the lively coastal culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Café (coffee and pastry) | $2-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-hail trip | $5-15 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / pousada (per night) | $40-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, varied beaches and easy access to Atlantic Forest hikes
- Fresh seafood and relaxed coastal atmosphere
- Good weekend escape from São Paulo with local culture and outdoor activities
- Can be crowded and more expensive during high season and holiday weekends
- Limited late-night/nightclub options compared with larger coastal cities
- Infrastructure and medical facilities are smaller than in big cities; some services may be limited off-season
- "Olá / Oi" - Hello / Hi
- "Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica a praia / o mercado?" - Where is the beach / the market?
Places to Visit in Caraguatatuba
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide beachfront promenade with palm-lined walkways, colorful kiosks and sunset views — great for golden-hour portraits and long exposures.
Calmer waters, boats and interesting rock formations provide photogenic compositions and tranquil sunrise shots.
Look for small mirantes above the beaches and on the road to the mountains for panoramic shots of the coastline and Atlantic Forest.
Dynamic scenes of fishermen, colorful produce and early activity — excellent for documentary-style photography and close-ups of fresh seafood.
Food in Caraguatatuba
Caraguatatuba Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Whole fried local fish served with rice, farofa and salad — a staple at beachfront restaurants and kiosks.
Must-Try!
Coconut- and dendê-oil–based fish or shrimp stew found at seafood restaurants; not originally Paulista but popular on coastal menus.
Cassava starch pancakes filled with sweet (coconut, chocolate) or savory (cheese, shredded coconut with meat) fillings — common at beach stalls and morning cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early-morning market where local boats sell fresh catch — great place to buy fish or watch fishermen and try a simple fried snack.
Weekend artisan fairs often feature street-food stalls selling pastel, coxinha, tapioca and fresh fruit juices — ideal for sampling local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greeting with a handshake in formal situations and one cheek kiss (or a light hug/cheek kiss) among friends is common in coastal São Paulo; use 'bom dia'/'boa tarde'/'boa noite' and polite phrases.
Beachwear is acceptable on the sand; cover up when entering shops and restaurants. Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach and respect designated family areas.
Brazilians are friendly and expressive — small talk is common. Avoid heated political arguments with strangers and be respectful of local traditions.
Safety
Tipping in Caraguatatuba
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge is commonly added to restaurant bills; if not included, tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory. For small services (kiosk staff, porters) round up the bill or leave small change.
Cards (debit and credit, chip and contactless) are widely accepted in restaurants and shops; cash is handy for kiosks, markets and small vendors. ATMs are available in town but withdraw in advance during peak season.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
High season with hot, humid weather and crowded beaches, especially on weekends and holidays. Expect busy roads, more food stalls and nightly events; book accommodation early.
Still warm with fewer crowds and pleasant sea temperatures — a good time for hiking and beach activities with milder humidity.
Milder, drier days and cooler nights; beaches are quieter and prices tend to be lower. Water can be cooler for swimming but hiking is ideal.
Warming up with blooming flora in the Atlantic Forest and increasing weekend tourism — a good balance of activities and weather.
Caraguatatuba at Night
Hiking in Caraguatatuba
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of trails through Atlantic Forest offering waterfalls, native flora and coastline viewpoints — trails range from easy walks to more challenging treks.
Short hikes from town to cascades and natural pools popular for cooling off after a trek; research trail conditions and bring suitable footwear.
Short climbs to mirantes provide sunrise/sunset panoramic views of the coastline and islands — ideal for photography and birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Caraguatatuba by plane.
Regional airport roughly 1.5–2 hours by car — convenient for domestic connections and a shorter drive than São Paulo airports.
Major international gateway (approx. 2.5–3.5 hours by road depending on traffic) with extensive domestic and international flights; many travelers combine a GRU arrival with a ground transfer to Caraguatatuba.
Domestic airport in São Paulo city serving many internal routes; driving time to Caraguatatuba is typically 2.5–4 hours depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term inhabitants often work in fishing, tourism, commerce and services; families and retirees form a stable local community.
Large influx of domestic tourists from São Paulo and nearby cities, especially on holidays and weekends; they shape peak-season crowds and nightlife.
Workers in hospitality and tourism sectors increase during high season to support restaurants, kiosks and hotels.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Brazil’s most popular sport — local amateur matches, youth leagues and neighborhood games are common.
Many beaches attract surfers of varying levels; surf schools and board rentals are available at popular spots.
Common on the sand — social and accessible for visitors.
Popular in calmer bays and lagoons for recreation and fitness.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Caraguatatuba.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Restaurants usually offer salads, pasta and tapioca with vegetarian fillings; order carefully since many dishes are fish-based. Larger restaurants in town can adapt dishes on request.
Options are more limited but available: tapioca with vegetable fillings, fruit juices, salads and some plant-based preparations — carry snacks in case.
Tapioca is naturally gluten-free and a good staple; ask restaurants about cross-contamination and prefer simple grilled dishes and salads.