Active Pursuits

The specialist in soft adventure in town is the firm Pé no Mangue, Rua da Esperança 101, first floor (tel. 081/3552-1935 or 081/9211-1450; www.penomangue.com.br), run by a congenial pair of young São Paulo refugees. They have a wide range of outings, all under R$50 (US$25/£14), including guide and transfer.

Tip: Check in with Pé no Mangue upon arrival as many tours depend both on the tide and on having enough participants. Let the staff know what you are interested in, and they can make recommendations and put together a small group.

Their 2 1/2-hour guided nature hikes through Atlantic rainforest or low-lying mangrove forest cost R$20 (US$10/£5.50); a 2-hour kayak tour, usually timed to coincide with sunset, down a wide slow mangrove-lined river to the sea, is R$30 (US$15/£8); 2-hour horseback rides on gentle horses through the rainforest cost R$30 (US$15/£8); a snorkeling by starlight trip in the natural pools just offshore costs R$40 (US$20/£11), which includes guide, mask, snorkel, wet suit, and flashlight; several boat trips, ranging from a 3-hour jangada trip to the less-visited coral reefs off Maracaípi to 4- and 6-hour trips to offshore islands and local beaches, cost R$30 to R$50 (US$15-US$25/£8-£14). One of the most popular destinations is the trip to Ilha de Santo Aleixo and Praia dos Carneiros. Both are to the south of Porto de Galinhas and offer plenty of nice scenery, swimming, and snorkeling.

Diving

Though most people opt for tide-pool snorkeling, there are a number of dive sites in the surrounding area. Contact Porto Point, Praça Av. Beira Mar s/n (tel. 081/3552-1111), for charters. Expect to pay R$90 to R$150 (US$45-US$75/£24-£41), including gear and two dives. Beginners can do an introductory lesson and dive for R$110 (US$55/£30). No credit cards.

Snorkeling

The coast just off Porto de Galinhas is lined with coral reefs. At low tide they form natural pools that trap hundreds of tropical fishes. With a mask and snorkel you just hop in and check out what's doing. The water is warm year-round (75°F-82°F/24°C-28°C) and the pools are never more than a few meters deep. Most pools are close enough that you could swim out, but another fun way of getting close is by taking a jangada. These one-sail fishing rafts are the boat of choice for local fishermen. For R$6 (US$3/£1.50) per person, local sailors will take you out to the best pools, and provide you with a mask, snorkel, and some bread to lure in the fish. Check the tide tables at your hotel for low tide; early morning is best if you want to avoid crowds.

If you want to play in the water by yourself, you can rent a mask/snorkel combo for R$10 (US$5/£2.50) per day at Porto Point, Av. Beira Mar s/n (tel. 081/3552-1111). They also offer tours to the natural pools in the daytime (RS$30/US$15/£8) or at night (R$40/US$20/£11), including equipment and guide.