Beaches, boat or buggy tours, trails in the Santuário Ecológico, and evening activities give Pipa its distinct character. If you’re looking for a hotel in Pipa, you can first consider which of these interests you want to shape your stay. This way, planning starts with experiences rather than a fixed daily itinerary.
Beaches and coastal excursions
Baía dos Golfinhos was chosen as one of the world’s best beaches in a vote at the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards. Praia do Amor is considered one of the most visited beaches in Praia da Pipa. Buggy tours can start at Chapadão, at Praia do Amor. Boat tours during a stay at Praia da Pipa may include encounters with dolphins. Availability and operating rules for boat tours can change; buggy tour operators and availability may vary. An encounter with dolphins is a possibility on the tour, not a guaranteed part of the program.
Trails in the Santuário Ecológico
The Santuário Ecológico de Pipa is located in a preserved fragment of the Atlantic Forest and offers 14 trails with viewpoints. Activities such as zip-lining are also available there. The Caminho dos Piratas is 100 m long, has a difficulty rating of 4, and leads via a rope staircase to Enseada do Madeiro, which is suitable for swimming in the sea. Length alone does not describe the entire nature of the trail: its difficulty rating and the rope staircase are also relevant considerations. Trail conditions can change, so check them before visiting.
An evening in the town center
A walk through the center of Praia da Pipa is a great evening activity. Pipa’s main street, Avenida Baia dos Golfinhos, becomes a tourist boulevard after 6 p.m. and is closed to vehicle traffic. If you’re planning an evening out, take this closure into account and check the situation locally, as traffic regulations may change. After sunset, Pipa’s nightlife includes bars and nightclubs; the offerings and opening hours of individual venues may vary.
Culture and coastal areas
São João da Pipa is recognized as intangible cultural heritage of the municipality in the Município de Tibau do Sul, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. This recognition is set out in a municipal law dated August 28, 2025. Alongside beach and nature experiences, this provides a distinct cultural point of interest to consider when planning. The Reserva Faunística Costeira de Tibau do Sul (Refauts) includes the coastal and marine areas of Enseadas do Madeiro and dos Golfinhos.
Getting there by car
To reach Pipa by car, take the BR-101. At Goianinha, leave the highway and switch to the RN-003. From there, the fastest route to the center of Pipa is about 25 km, using a shortcut. Treat this distance as an approximate figure for this route; road conditions may change. Check the route before setting off if you’re planning the drive.
Discover more destinations: São Miguel, Portalegre, Touros, Macau, Macaíba, Caiçara Do Rio Do Vento, Maracajaú, Pedra Grande
For the broader travel overview: Rio Grande Do Norte.
