The natural pools off Pajuçara are Maceió's classic postcard trip. At low tide, jangadas sail from the beach to shallow reef pools offshore, where the water turns clear and calm enough for easy floating and light snorkelling.
Timing matters. Go near low tide, and do not expect solitude: restaurant boats, photo stops, and other jangadas are part of the scene. Even so, the colour of the water and the old wooden boats make this the city's essential beach experience.