Moonlight Swim in Maceió: how it works, times, price and the full-moon dates up to 2027
A catamaran at night on the natural pools of Pajuçara, with a DJ. The time changes with the moon, and here are the full-moon dates up to 2027.
The Moonlight Swim (Banho de Lua) is Maceió's most traditional night-time tour: a catamaran leaves the Pajuçara beachfront after sunset and heads out to the natural pools, two kilometres from the beach, for a swim in the sea with the moon overhead and the lights of the beachfront in the background. There's a DJ on board, a bar and about 2.5 hours on the water.
People looking for the tour usually have three questions: what time it leaves, what it costs and when the full moon is. All three answers are here.
How it works
Boarding is on the Pajuçara beachfront (the exact spot comes with your booking confirmation). The catamaran sails out to the reefs that form the natural pools, anchors in the calm water and everyone jumps in. On the way back, the Maceió beachfront lit up from end to end. Drinks are sold on board; what you consume is paid separately.
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, and can vary with the tide and the day's programme. Music is by a DJ or, on some dates, live.
There is no hotel transport: if you're staying on the beachfront you walk or take a short ride-hailing trip to Pajuçara.
Why the time changes every day
This is the part that confuses people. The Banho de Lua has no fixed time: departure follows the moon and the tide, and changes from day to day. In practice, boarding is between 3:30 pm and 10:30 pm, depending on the date.
On the early-departure days, between 3:30 and 5 pm, the tour catches the sunset at sea and the moon rising right after: that's the "sunset + Banho de Lua" version. On days leaving between 6 pm and 10:30 pm, it's the classic night swim, with the moon already high.
The time for each date is on the calendar on the tour's page, and the day before we confirm it on WhatsApp. There are departures on most days of the month, but whether it runs depends on the tide and sea conditions: on a rough-sea day the tour is rescheduled at no charge.
What it costs
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Adult | R$ 80 |
| Child aged 6 to 12 | R$ 60 |
| Baby up to 5 | Free, on a lap |
| Couple | R$ 160 |
Prices from November 2026. The card below shows the price in force on the day you book.
The catamaran and the on-board programme are included. Drinks and anything you consume are paid on the tour.
Banho de Lua (moonlight bath) in Maceió
- Boarding on the Pajuçara beachfront, no hotel transport
- Catamaran out to the natural pools, with a DJ on board
- Time changes every day, following the moon and the tide
- R$ 80 per person
The full-moon dates up to the end of 2027
The tour runs in almost every phase of the moon, but full-moon nights are the most sought after: the moon rises around sunset and stays full over the sea all night. If you can choose your travel dates, these are the nights.
| Full moon | Date |
|---|---|
| November 2026 | 24/11 (Tuesday) |
| December 2026 | 23/12 (Wednesday) |
| January 2027 | 22/01 (Friday) |
| February 2027 | 20/02 (Saturday) |
| March 2027 | 22/03 (Monday) |
| April 2027 | 20/04 (Tuesday) |
| May 2027 | 20/05 (Thursday) |
| June 2027 | 18/06 (Friday) |
| July 2027 | 18/07 (Sunday) |
| August 2027 | 17/08 (Tuesday) |
| September 2027 | 15/09 (Wednesday) |
| October 2027 | 15/10 (Friday) |
| November 2027 | 14/11 (Sunday) |
| December 2027 | 13/12 (Monday) |
The moon is practically full two days before and two days after each date. If you're spending a week in Maceió, your trip only needs to overlap with one of these nights.
Is it good for children?
It's a night-time tour, with loud music and a party mood. Children aged 6 to 12 pay R$ 60 and are welcome, but think about the time and your child's temperament: on days leaving at 3:30 or 4 pm, you're back early and it feels more like a family outing; on days leaving at 9 or 10 pm, it's an adults' night out.
Is there a Banho de Lua in Maragogi?
No. The Banho de Lua is a Maceió tour, on the natural pools of Pajuçara. If you're in Maragogi and want to do it, the way is to combine it with a day in Maceió. If the idea is a night at sea in Maragogi, the private speedboat in Maragogi can go out in the late afternoon, depending on the tide.
Private speedboat in Maragogi
- Speedboat just for your group, up to 10 people
- Leaves from Maragogi beach, no transport
- Can go out in the late afternoon, depending on the tide
- R$ 1,800 per boat
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Banho de Lua leave?
Between 3:30 pm and 10:30 pm, depending on the date. The time follows the moon and the tide and is on the calendar on the tour's page. We confirm the exact time the day before.
Does the Banho de Lua run every day?
There are departures on most days, but it's not a fixed daily time. It depends on the tide and the programme. The calendar shows the days and times.
Where do you board?
On the Pajuçara beachfront, in Maceió. The exact spot comes with your booking confirmation. There is no hotel transport.
What does it cost?
R$ 80 per adult, R$ 60 per child aged 6 to 12 and R$ 160 per couple. Babies up to 5 don't pay.
Can I cancel?
Yes. Up to 48 hours before departure, with a full refund or a free change of date. With less than 48 hours to go, only a change to another date with space. If the operator cancels because of the sea, you rebook or get everything back.
Can I do it on the same day as another tour?
Yes, and it's common: Gunga, Milagres or a beach club by day and the Banho de Lua at night. Just check the departure time for that date so it doesn't clash with the return from the day tour.
Banho de Lua at night, another tour by day
In Build your itinerary you pick the tours and the dates, check the time of each one and pay once.
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