What To Do in Lençóis Maranhenses: Best Tours & Activities With Prices

Wondering what to do in Lençóis Maranhenses? Here we talk through all the best tours available on the National Park and its surroundings.

If you are planning a trip to Lençóis Maranhenses, make sure to check out my recommended 5-day itinerary with prices!

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy or book something I may earn pennies at no additional cost to you!

Lençóis Maranhenses tour operators

There are a range of travel agencies offering tours, and here are the ones I talked to and hired during my latest Lençóis Maranhenses trip:

• Travel agencies in Atins: Aloha Atins, Manotour
• Travel agency in Barreirinhas: Alternativa Turismo

Pro tip: the best way to book tours and talk to agencies is by contacting them via WhatsApp

1. Lençóis Maranhenses: Visiting the flooded desert

The best way to see and enjoy the Lençóis Maranhenses is on this 4×4 tour. Tour operators take you to some of the most beautiful pools in the park, where you can swim or walk to the top to enjoy the view of the landscape and take pictures.

Pro tip: If you are visiting the park over multiple days, I recommend doing 2 half-day tours as opposed to one full-day tour to avoid exhaustion and sun exposure. At Lençóis Maranhenses National Park there are no man-made shaded areas, so you are heavily exposed to the sun during the tours.

Tour price:

• Private tour (up to 6 people): R$800 for the half-day tour, R$ 1400 for the full-day tour
• Group tour: R$130 per person for the half-day tour, R$240 for the full-day tour

Tour duration:

• Half-day morning tour: 9:00 AM to 2:00 pm
• Half-day sunset tour: 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM
• Full-day tour: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM

2. Lençóis Maranhenses Stargazing tour

The most magical tour I’ve done in Brazil must be the Lençóis Maranhenses Stargazing Tour. The guide drops you off on a dune near a pool, and you can do whatever you want as you enjoy the view of the desert, hundreds of stars, meteors, and even the Milky Way! Check out my full review of this experience to learn more!

3. Quad bike tour through “little Lençóis”

Quad bike riding is one of the most fun adventures near Lençóis Maranhenses. “Little Lençóis” is a set of dunes near the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, and there you get to drive up and down the dunes in ATVs. Although the landscape there is not nearly as beautiful as the Lençóis Maranhenses, it is still stunning.

• Tour Price: R$750 per quad bike (fits 2 people) + 1 quad bike for the tour guide (one tourist can go with the guide)
• Tour duration: 7 hours, starts around 10 AM

4. Revoada dos Guarás Tour: Watching dozens of birds fly during sunset

During the day guarás hunt, and starting at sunset, they return to trees in the Manguezal to sleep. The Revoada dos Guarás Tour takes you to a strategic point in the ocean, where you can watch groups of guarás heading to trees to spend the night. Check out our full guide on this magical experience for more information!

Tour price:

• Group tour: R$100 per person
• Private tour: $450 for up to 3 people

Note: These prices are valid for tours leaving from Atins. If you are based in Barreirinhas, this tour is significantly more expensive.

Tour duration: from 4:30 PM until sunset

5. Kayaking in Atins

A unique way to explore the Atlantic Ocean and Rio Preguiças is by Kayak. Check out the three options of Kayak tours available in Atins:

Note: Aloha Atins is the only agency I found offering Kayak tours

Igarapé

Calm and relaxing paddle in the creek between Atins and Santo Inácio

• Price: R$ 200 per person, minimum of 2 people per tour
• Duration: 1.5 hours

Planktons

Paddle and swim amongst bioluminescent plankton! The brightness and number of plankton depend on the moon phase and the period of the year. Check with the tour operators for images of a recent tour for you to adjust your expectations about this natural phenomenon

• Price: R$ 250 per person, minimum of 2 people per tour
• Duration: 1 hour

Full moon paddle (Remada da Lua Cheia)

Paddle under the bright light of the full moon (obviously, this tour is only available near and during full moon nights)

• Duration: 1 hour
• Price: R$ 250 per person, minimum of 2 people per tour

6. Traditional Fishing

Traditional fishing is one of the most traditional activities of our region, and it represents an incredible opportunity for tourists to learn more about the local culture. As a plus, you will also enjoy fresh fish prepared on traditional stoves.

Note: This is not a commonly offered experience, Aloha Atins is one of the few operators offering this experience.

• Price: R$300 per person
• Duration: 2 hours, tour start time depends on the tide

7. Kitesurfing (and kitesurfing lessons!)

8. Baixa Grande: visit an “Oasis”

Visit an “Oasis” in a remote section of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a region where just a few families live. In this 4×4 tour, you visit some of the most remote lagoons, have lunch at a local’s home (not included), and enjoy the sunset in this incredible landscape.

• Price: R$1600 for a private tour (up to 6 people)
• Duration: full day

Conclusion of what to do in Lençóis Maranhenses!

Check out my 5-day Lençóis Maranhenses itinerary to see how I recommend you plan your activities!

If you are overwhelmed by all the costs of visiting this paradise, check out my Lençóis Maranhenses cost guide and use it to base your cost estimates!