Looking for a day trip, the resort advised my friend and I to visit the natural pools in Garapua, Cairu. Always up for adventure, hey, why not? We traveled by four wheel drive from the resort through bumpy sandy roads and after almost getting stuck, we came to the remote village of Garapua.

Arriving to Garapua

Local transport at Cairu
Turned out to be the best beach we visited while on the island of Morro de São Paulo. We had the beach practically to ourselves. However one of the beach’s true hidden treasures was just out of view….

Nothing better than a beach to yourself…
Our driver arranged transport to the natural pools located just offshore by boat.

On the boat to the natural pool
We coughed up 10 Brazilian Real each for the ten minute trip and slowly pulled offshore. Away from the shore line, the water became even clearer.

On the boat to the natural pools
We laughed together as we watched the boat driver lazily steer the rudder with his foot.
What a surprise we were in for as we pulled up to a floating bar in the middle of the sea!

The bar in the middle of the sea
Here we found a little makeshift kitchen which served up freshly caught seafood and drinks.

The bar/restaurant in the sea
As their last customer of the day, we were offered some steamed clams and freshly made caipirinha’s.

Fresh clams

Fresh cooked clams, flavorful broth and spicy sauce
This cocktail water view trumped all others!
We slowly sipped on our drinks in between dips in the water.

Exploring the natural pools

Dipping our toes into the blue waters
We even watched as a local boater got stuck on the sand pier and had to push his boat off through the water.

Locals getting their boat off the sand bar
Turned out to be the best impromptu trip we took.
As we were their last customers of the day, the owners personally ferried us back to shore in their boat.

The bartender ferrying us back to shore or just on his phone….
By this time, a few more people had shown up on the beach for late lunch and children played soccer with makeshift goal posts.

Friendly beach soccer
We claimed our lounge chairs and had one last caipirinha on our last beach day. Perfect ending to Morro de São Paulo.

Caipirinha’s beachside

Havaianas make great coasters…
Okay, or maybe two…
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