Stand at the water's edge on Enseada in the late afternoon and you will see why São Paulo families drive down here for the weekend: coconut kiosks, cold beer, boats at anchor, and a beach that seems to keep going. Guarujá sits on Santo Amaro Island across the river from São Vicente, and the drive from the capital takes less than an hour on the Imigrantes highway.
The city suits beach-goers, surfers and families looking for an easy coastal break, and it is busiest in summer and on holidays, when traffic thickens in the evening. This guide covers the beaches and attractions named in the source material, plus a one-day plan that strings them together.
Top things to do in Guarujá
1. Enseada
This huge beach is the most popular and common destination for the occasional tourist. Kiosks selling coconuts, beer and finger food are found all over, and there is a rich nightlife that can make traffic chaotic during the high season.
It is crowded in summer but not as crowded as Pitangueiras. Buses 11, 17, 19, 23, 55, 77 and 81 serve it.
2. Pitangueiras
One of the most popular beaches in Guarujá, Pitangueiras is overcrowded on summer mornings, so a barefoot walk on its sands in a warm afternoon is the better way to appreciate it. Surfers are all over the beach, as are vendors selling anything from sweetcorn to songs, and when the waves are not huge it is suitable for bathing.
Buses 1, 15, 25, 26, 27, 39 and 81 serve it.
3. Tombo
A surfer's beach and one of the most beautiful in Guarujá, Tombo may not be suitable for bathing when the waves are too big. Otherwise it is an excellent choice, and it is usually less crowded than the others, which makes it good for sunbathing.
Buses 1, 15, 25, 26 and 81 serve it.
4. Astúrias
Pitangueiras' little sister, split from it only by a few rocks, Astúrias is a smaller and less crowded option for sunbathing and relaxing.
Buses 1, 15, 26 and 81 serve it.
5. Pernambuco
This sophisticated and calm beach is lined with beach houses belonging to the rich and famous. When the tide is low, it is possible to walk from the beach to Ilha do Mar Casado, the island in front of it.
Buses 17, 55, 77 and 81 serve it.
6. Perequê
A traditional beach with authentic fisherman's villages, where you can appreciate just-caught fresh fish and seafood in the many restaurants while watching the villagers come and go.
The water is polluted in some areas and not safe for bathing. Buses 17, 55, 77 and 81 serve it.
7. Tortugas
Tours by kayak, ski and motor launch are available here, as well as boats and the possibility of diving. The wide strip of sand is ideal for comfortable hikes.
8. Acqua Mundo Theme Park
Located on Avenida Miguel Stéfano, 2001, in Enseada, this is the biggest aquarium in South America, with more than 700 species of aquatic animals.
Pair it with the beach at Enseada, which is right there.
9. Barra Grande Fortress
The fortress was built by the colonizers in 1584, and inside you can see panels by Manabu Mabe. It is accessed by the Santa Cruz dos Navegantes road, or by boat from the Ponte dos Práticos.
10. Surfing
Guarujá does not have the best waves around, but they are good enough for a great surf session. Each beach offers its own style of wave, so whether you are a newbie or an expert you will find what you are looking for.
At Pitangueiras beach you can find a School of Surf to the southwest, close to the rocks, where you can take classes or just rent a board.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Pitangueiras, but arrive knowing it is overcrowded on summer mornings; if the waves are not huge, this is a good time for a swim, and the School of Surf near the rocks to the southwest can set you up with a board or a class.
Afternoon: Move along the sand to Astúrias, split from Pitangueiras by only a few rocks, for a smaller and less crowded place to sunbathe and relax. Later, head to Enseada for coconut, beer and finger food from the kiosks, and if you want more, Acqua Mundo Theme Park is on Avenida Miguel Stéfano in Enseada.
Evening: Stay on at Enseada for its rich nightlife, keeping in mind that traffic can be chaotic during the high season.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the beaches?
Pitangueiras is overcrowded on summer mornings but can be better appreciated with a barefoot walk on a warm afternoon. Enseada is crowded in summer but less so than Pitangueiras, and Tombo is usually less crowded than the others.
Can you swim at every beach?
No. Tombo may not be suitable for bathing when the waves are too big, and the water at Perequê is polluted in some areas and not safe for bathing. At Pitangueiras, bathing is suitable when the waves are not huge.
How do you get around the beaches without a car?
Buses serve the beaches: 11, 17, 19, 23, 55, 77 and 81 for Enseada; 1, 15, 25, 26, 27, 39 and 81 for Pitangueiras; 1, 15, 25, 26 and 81 for Tombo; 1, 15, 26 and 81 for Astúrias; and 17, 55, 77 and 81 for both Pernambuco and Perequê.
What can you do away from the sand?
Visit Acqua Mundo Theme Park in Enseada, or Barra Grande Fortress, reached by the Santa Cruz dos Navegantes road or by boat from the Ponte dos Práticos.
Decide which beach suits the day you have, check how you will reach it, and start planning your trip to Guarujá.