Lencois maranhenses dunes pools

Lençóis Maranhenses is a national park in Maranhão with white sand dunes and crystal-clear lagoons formed by rain between July and September.

About this subject

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, located on the eastern coast of Maranhão state in Brazil, covers approximately 155,000 hectares. Its unique landscape consists of white sand dunes stretching over 70 km along the coast, interspersed with crystal-clear freshwater lagoons. These lagoons form during the rainy season from January to June and reach their peak volume between July and September, creating a stunning desert dotted with natural pools.

Famous lagoons include Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Bonita, and Lagoa da Gaivota, exhibiting colors ranging from turquoise blue to emerald green depending on depth and algae presence. The region is one of the most popular tourist destinations in northeastern Brazil, attracting global visitors for dune hiking and warm water swims. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, when lagoons are full and temperatures are milder.

Beyond its scenic beauty, Lençóis Maranhenses hosts biodiversity adapted to extreme sand and sun conditions. Visitors can find lizards, migratory birds like the ruddy turnstone, and even the annual killifish (Notholebias minimus), which survives buried in sand during the dry season and reproduces rapidly when lagoons fill. The park is also home to traditional communities such as artisanal fishermen and vazanteiros, who live along the Preguiças River and rely on fishing and tourism.

The geological phenomenon of Lençóis Maranhenses is rare worldwide: a coastal dune field fed by wind-blown sand and tidal action, with a shallow water table allowing water accumulation. Unlike traditional deserts, annual rainfall exceeds 1,500 mm, creating a unique seasonal ecosystem. In 2023, the park received approximately 150,000 visitors, a number that grows yearly, demanding increasingly sustainable infrastructure to preserve this fragile environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Lençóis Maranhenses to see the lagoons full?

The best time is between July and September, after the rainy season, when the lagoons are at their highest level. Access is still possible until October, but with less water.

How to get to Lençóis Maranhenses from São Luís?

From São Luís, take BR-135 to Barreirinhas (about 4 hours by car). From there, you can book 4x4 tours or guided hikes. Regular vans and buses are also available.

What animals can I find in Lençóis Maranhenses?

Fauna includes lizards, migratory birds like the ruddy turnstone, and the annual killifish (Notholebias minimus), which survives in sand during the dry season. Foxes and small mammals are also present.