Glide by speedboat down the Preguiças River to meet capuchin monkeys, climb Mandacaru Lighthouse, and relax on Caburé’s narrow beach spit. This half-day tour blends river scenery, dunes, and local culture in the Lençóis Maranhenses region.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light cuts across the Preguiças like a curtain being pulled back. You push off in a speedboat at about 8:20 AM, the river daring you forward through channels threaded with mangroves; the current nudges the hull while white sand dunes appear and recede on the horizon. In 40 minutes the village of Vassouras rises from the riverbanks—trees alive with playful capuchin monkeys and shallow lagoons that swell during the rainy season.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers of most fitness levels; involves short walks on sand and a brief lighthouse climb
Wildlife
History
Communities along the Preguiças developed from river-based fishing and trade; the Mandacaru lighthouse became a practical landmark for navigating the estuary and nearby Atlantic approaches.
Conservation
The Lençóis Maranhenses area is ecologically sensitive—avoid trampling dune vegetation, don’t feed wildlife, and use reef-safe products to limit pollution.
Reserve your spot on the Preguicas River Nature Tour and Adventure today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring cash for small vendors
Many village stalls and beachside restaurants accept only cash or local cards—carry small bills for souvenirs and snacks.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
You’ll be spending time on beaches and in lagoons; choose reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
Pack a quick-dry towel and change of clothes
Swims are often spontaneous during the rainy season—having dry clothes makes the return boat ride comfortable.
Follow the pilot’s safety instructions
Boat conditions and channels change with tides and season—obey crew directions for boarding and disembarking.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated on the boat and under tropical sun is essential.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and reduces harm to estuarine and marine ecosystems.
summer
Light insect repellent
Mangroves and riverside villages can have mosquitoes, especially near dusk.
Quick-dry towel and swimwear
For impromptu swims in lagoons and beach stops at Caburé.
summer