Things To Do
in Jacaraú

Jacaraú is a small coastal municipality in Paraíba, Brazil, perched along the Atlantic surf and tidal estuaries. The town thrives on fishing, shellfish gathering, and a relaxed riverside pace that invites wandering. Its beaches, mangroves, and waterfront cafés offer a compact snapshot of Northeastern Brazilian coastal life.

Visitors come for seafood, sunsets, and the sense of being far from the bustle of bigger cities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Jacaraú
morning
:

Arrive in the charming town of Jacaraú, where the lush greenery meets the warm coastal air. Get settled into a cozy local pousada and enjoy a leisurely breakfast featuring fresh tropical fruits. Take a stroll through the quaint streets to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and admire the colonial architecture.

afternoon
:

Visit the local artisan market for an afternoon of shopping, where you can find handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. Engage with the friendly vendors, learning about their crafts and the history behind them. End your shopping spree by sipping on a refreshing coconut water to cool down.

evening
:

After a busy first day, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant specializing in traditional Brazilian cuisine. Savor local dishes like shrimp moqueca, accompanied by a cold caipirinha. As the sun sets, take a walk along the riverbank to witness the beauty of Jacaraú bathed in twilight.

day 2
Exploring the Beaches
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the stunning beaches of Jacaraú. Choose from popular spots like Praia do Jacaraú or nearby Costa do Conde to relax and soak up the sun. Make sure to take a dip in the warm, inviting waters.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon participating in water sports such as snorkeling or paddleboarding while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery. For lunch, feast on fresh seafood served by beachside vendors, giving you a taste of local flavors. Don't forget to capture the scenic views with your camera.

evening
:

As the day winds down, gather with fellow travelers around a beach bonfire. Share stories, enjoy grilled snacks, and listen to local music that fills the air. Experience the vibrant nightlife of Jacaraú with a visit to a nearby bar featuring live music.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🥤Coffee or soft drink$1-3
🏖️Beach chair or umbrella rental$2-5
🚕Short taxi ride$3-8
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Coastal beauty and relaxed vibe
  • Fresh seafood and friendly locals
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Smaller tourism infrastructure and fewer English speakers
  • "Oi, tudo bem?" - Hi, how are you?
  • "Onde fica o restaurante mais próximo?" - Where is the nearest restaurant?
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you

Places to Visit in Jacaraú

Visit one of these nice places.

Orla de Jacaraú Beach

Long, palm-lined shoreline ideal for sunrise and sunset photography with fishermen, boats, and soft light.

Mangrove Estuary Boardwalk

Wooden boardwalk through mangroves that hosts herons, egrets, and other wading birds at golden hour.

Fishermen’s Pier at the River Mouth

A working pier where vibrant colors, nets, and silhouettes make compelling coastal scenes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Jacaraú

Jacaraú's cuisine centers on seafood and Northeast staples, with coconut, manioc, and tropical fruits featuring prominently in everyday meals.

Jacaraú Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Carne de sol com macaxeira

Sun-dried beef served with cassava and chiles; a classic Northeastern dish often enjoyed in casual eateries.

Must-Try!

Moqueca de peixe

A seafood stew made with coconut milk and palm oil, served with rice and pirão.

Peixada paraibana

A regional fish stew with vegetables and herbs, reflecting coastal flavors of Paraíba.

Queijo coalho grelhado

Grilled cheese on a skewer, sometimes finished with honey or garlic; a popular snack near beaches.

Tapioca com queijo

A versatile tapioca flatbread filled with cheese or other fillings, great for a light meal or snack.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Jacaraú

A local market offering fresh seafood, tropical fruits, dried goods, and everyday snacks.

Feirinha da orla

An evening seaside market with grilled fish, tapiocas, and small crafts along the promenade.

Climate Guide

Weather

A tropical coastal climate with hot, humid conditions most of the year. A pronounced wet season brings rain from roughly March to July, while the drier months run from August to February with sea breezes easing the heat.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite Portuguese greetings are standard; start with 'Bom dia' or 'Oi'.

Respect and photography

Ask permission before photographing people or private spaces; dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Safety Guide

Safety

Common-sense safety applies: keep valuables secure on crowded beaches, beware of currents and tides, and use reputable transport. Stay aware at night in isolated areas and follow local advice during storms.

Tipping in Jacaraú

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; 5-10% in sit-down restaurants is common, smaller cafés may round up the bill.

Payment methods

Cash in BRL is widely used; many places accept cards, but bring cash for markets and small vendors. ATMs are common in town.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; great for beach activities and swimming, but bring sun protection and a light rain jacket.

Winter

Warmer days with cooler nights; drier air and pleasant evenings; seas can be calmer for boat trips, but expect humidity year-round.

Nightlife Guide

Jacaraú at Night

The nightlife in Jacaraú is relaxed and locally vibrant, centered on beach bars and small pubs with live music. Expect casual atmosphere, fresh seafood, and forró or MPB tunes, with crowds gathering after sunset rather than large club scenes.

Hiking in Jacaraú

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal mangrove and forest trails

Gentle hikes through Atlantic Forest patches and mangroves near the coast.

Dune and river mouth paths

Easy trails along dune lines and river mouths with ocean views.

Airports

How to reach Jacaraú by plane.

Aeroporto Internacional de João Pessoa - Presidente Castro Pinto (JPA)

Located in João Pessoa, this is the main international gateway for travel to Paraíba and the Jacaraú area; connections to regional cities are available by road.

Aeroporto de Campina Grande - João Suassuna (CPV)

A regional airport serving Campina Grande and surrounding areas; useful for accessing the interior of Paraíba.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center and coastline are walkable in a few hours, with a compact waterfront area. Sidewalks are uneven in parts and some streets lack pedestrian paths, so a short taxi or scooter can help for longer trips.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

A mix of Afro-Brazilian and mixed-heritage communities with long fishing traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The dominant sport nationwide, with local matches and informal games on the beach.

Beach volleyball

A common activity on the shore, especially on weekends.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate; expect queues near major beaches on weekends and during holidays. Local buses and taxis are common; rideshare services are limited but increasing.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Jacaraú.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Option-friendly meals include grilled vegetables, rice and beans, salads, moqueca de legumes, and pirão without fish. When in doubt, ask for cheese or eggs as protein alternatives.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare facilities serve Jacaraú; for more advanced care or emergencies, travel to João Pessoa or Campina Grande, where larger hospitals and clinics are located. Carry travel insurance and necessary medications.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide