A half-day speedboat tour on the Preguiças River that links mangrove channels, monkey-populated lagoons, the Mandacaru Lighthouse and Caburé’s river-meets-sea beach. Ideal for quick natural immersion near Lençóis Maranhenses.
A half-day speedboat tour on the Preguiças River that links mangrove channels, monkey-populated lagoons, the Mandacaru Lighthouse and Caburé’s river-meets-sea beach. Ideal for quick natural immersion near Lençóis Maranhenses.
You step onto a narrow speedboat as the river breathes morning cool into your face. The Preguiças cuts a lazy silver path through mangroves and low dunes, the current nudging the bow toward villages that seem to rise out of the water. Capuchin monkeys chatter in the trees like local commentators while the pilot threads channels that tease a different landscape at every bend.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by FORTALEZA EXPERIENCE TOUR · Barreirinhas, Maranhão
You step onto a narrow speedboat as the river breathes morning cool into your face. The Preguiças cuts a lazy silver path through mangroves and low dunes, the current nudging the bow toward villages that seem to rise out of the water. Capuchin monkeys chatter in the trees like local commentators while the pilot threads channels that tease a different landscape at every bend.
The route traces human and geological stories: river channels carved through coastal sand over centuries, fishing communities shaped by tidal rhythms, and the stout Mandacaru Lighthouse — climbed by visitors for a wide, unguarded panorama of river, dunes and sea. Cultural touches appear in craft stalls, roadside caipirinhas and simple beach restaurants serving regional dishes such as peixe frito and arroz de cuxá.
Expect practical comforts and simple logistics: a roughly 40-minute river run to Vassouras, time ashore to watch or swim in seasonal lagoons, a stop at Mandacaru with its 160 steps to the lantern room, and a final stretch out to the Caburé peninsula where the river and ocean keep each other company. Lunch is available on the beach but typically not included; the return is mid-afternoon.
Bring quick-dry clothing, insect repellent and cash for crafts and snacks. Timing matters — wet months fill inland lagoons for swimming, dry months expose more dunes. Respect wildlife (don’t feed monkeys), follow the guide’s safety briefings, and be ready for sun, sand and a short, invigorating day that combines nature, culture and simple seaside ease.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for average fitness; requires short walks and some stair climbing at the lighthouse
Lunch at Caburé Beach is typically not included; restaurants on the peninsula offer regional meals and expect payment on site.
The full experience runs about 2.5 hours (approximately 150 minutes) with roughly 40 minutes of river cruising to Vassouras and scheduled stops at Mandacaru and Caburé.
Yes — the tour is rated easy; infants must sit on an adult’s lap. Follow the guide’s safety instructions during boat transfers and shore visits.
You can often spot capuchin monkeys and a variety of coastal and river birds; wildlife sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.
Mandacaru Lighthouse and riverside settlements grew from coastal navigation and fishing traditions; the area serves as a human gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses landscape.
The region is near protected Lençóis Maranhenses areas—avoid disturbing wildlife, don’t feed monkeys, and stick to guided paths and designated landing points to reduce erosion.
FORTALEZA EXPERIENCE TOUR operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You step onto a narrow speedboat as the river breathes morning cool into your face. The Preguiças cuts a lazy silver path through mangroves and low dunes, the current nudging the bow toward villages that seem to rise out of the water. Capuchin monkeys chatter in the trees like local commentators while the pilot threads channels that tease a different landscape at every bend.
You step onto a narrow speedboat as the river breathes morning cool into your face. The Preguiças cuts a lazy silver path through mangroves and low dunes, the current nudging the bow toward villages that seem to rise out of the water. Capuchin monkeys chatter in the trees like local commentators while the pilot threads channels that tease a different landscape at every bend.
The route traces human and geological stories: river channels carved through coastal sand over centuries, fishing communities shaped by tidal rhythms, and the stout Mandacaru Lighthouse — climbed by visitors for a wide, unguarded panorama of river, dunes and sea. Cultural touches appear in craft stalls, roadside caipirinhas and simple beach restaurants serving regional dishes such as peixe frito and arroz de cuxá.
Expect practical comforts and simple logistics: a roughly 40-minute river run to Vassouras, time ashore to watch or swim in seasonal lagoons, a stop at Mandacaru with its 160 steps to the lantern room, and a final stretch out to the Caburé peninsula where the river and ocean keep each other company. Lunch is available on the beach but typically not included; the return is mid-afternoon.
Bring quick-dry clothing, insect repellent and cash for crafts and snacks. Timing matters — wet months fill inland lagoons for swimming, dry months expose more dunes. Respect wildlife (don’t feed monkeys), follow the guide’s safety briefings, and be ready for sun, sand and a short, invigorating day that combines nature, culture and simple seaside ease.