The coastline north and south of Natal offers some of the best beach destinations in Brazil. Genipabu to the north (30 km) is the classic dune buggy destination, with enormous sand dunes meeting a freshwater lagoon. Further north, Maracajaú has some of the best snorkelling in the northeast, with a reef that emerges at low tide about 7 km offshore.
South of Natal, Praia de Pipa (85 km) is the most visited destination — a cliff-backed beach with dolphins, a lively village, and genuinely good restaurants. Tibau do Sul and the beaches around it are quieter alternatives. Most pousadas in Natal can arrange day trips or hire cars for any of these destinations.