Pipa is a village and beach about 85 km south of Natal that has become one of the most visited destinations on the northeastern coast of Brazil. The beach sits below high reddish-orange cliffs and the combination of dramatic geology, warm turquoise water, and a lively village gives it a different character from the flat, dune-lined beaches around Natal itself.
Spinner dolphins are regularly sighted in Pipa's bay — the bay is a protected area and the dolphins are wild, but they tend to approach boats and swimmers. The village has a good range of restaurants, bars, and pousadas and gets busy in Brazilian school holidays. A day trip from Natal is easy by bus or hire car; many visitors end up staying several days.