- Guarujá occupies the entirety of Santo Amaro Island, which is separated from the mainland by the Bertioga Channel and the Port of Santos.
- The city is home to a significant number of military forts dating back to the colonial period, originally built to protect the entrance to the Port of Santos.
- Praia do Tombo is one of the few beaches in Brazil to consistently receive the international 'Blue Flag' environmental certification for water quality and management.
- During the early 20th century, the city underwent a major transformation into a luxury resort destination following the construction of the Grand Hotel La Plage.
- The region maintains a unique microclimate that allows for the preservation of significant Atlantic Forest remnants despite heavy urban development.
About Guarujá
Guarujá is a prominent coastal municipality located on the island of Santo Amaro, renowned for its diverse selection of urban and secluded beaches. Known as the 'Pearl of the Atlantic,' it transitions from the bustling high-rise atmosphere of Pitangueiras Beach to the ecological preservation of areas like Praia do Guaiuba. Visitors can explore marine life at Acqua Mundo or catch professional surfing waves at the Blue Flag-certified Praia do Tombo. The city serves as a primary seaside retreat for residents of the nearby São Paulo metropolitan region.
Highlights of Guarujá
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Beaches and ponds
This beach consistently meets international Blue Flag standards for water quality and environmental management.
Zoos
This large-scale aquarium offers extensive exhibits focusing on marine biodiversity native to the Brazilian coast.
Beaches and ponds
Located in the city center, this is the most accessible beach for those wanting to be near local commerce and dining.
Beaches and ponds
This cove is shielded by dense vegetation and rock formations, creating calm, clear waters ideal for swimming.
Beaches and ponds
Known for its expansive stretch of sand and consistent surf, this beach connects to a natural lagoon at the Mar Casado junction.
Places of interest
The lookout point provides panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding Atlantic Forest canopy.
Beaches and ponds
This area is favored for its calm waters and well-maintained boardwalk, suitable for families and evening strolls.
Beaches and ponds
Accessible via a scenic trail, this small beach remains one of the more secluded spots on the island.
Top things to do in Guarujá
The 46 highest-rated places in Guarujá, ranked by travellers.
1
Beaches and ponds
Praia do Guaiuba is a 790-meter-long beach in Guarujá, São Paulo, characterized by its sheltered cove position between t...
2
Beaches and ponds
Pitangueiras Beach is the central and most urbanized beach in Guarujá, spanning approximately 1.8 kilometers of shorelin...
3
Zoos
Acqua Mundo is one of the largest aquariums in South America, located on the beachfront of Enseada Beach in Guarujá. The...
4
Beaches and ponds
Praia do Pernambuco is a 1.5-kilometer stretch of sand in Guarujá characterized by its proximity to the upscale Jardim P...
5
Beaches and ponds
Praia Branca is a secluded coastal destination located on the Ilha de Santo Amaro in Guarujá, São Paulo. The beach is ch...
6
Historical places
Forte São João is the oldest fortress in Brazil, commissioned in 1532 and completed in 1547 to defend the southern coast...
7
Places of interest
Lookout Galheta is a prominent observation point situated on a rocky cliffside in Guarujá, São Paulo. The site provides...
8
Beaches and ponds
Indaiá Beach in Bertioga is a long, expansive stretch of coastline known for its calm, shallow waters and gentle slopes....
9
Beaches and ponds
Praia do Tombo is a 900-meter-long beach in Guarujá renowned for being the only beach in the state of São Paulo to consi...
10
Beaches and ponds
Praia do Éden is a secluded cove in Guarujá, São Paulo, characterized by its dense Atlantic Forest surroundings and stee...
11
Beaches and ponds
Praia do Tombo is a Blue Flag certified beach in Guarujá, recognized for its stringent environmental quality and safety...
12
Beaches and ponds
Pernambuco Beach is a 1.5-kilometer stretch of coastline in Guarujá known for its calm surf and proximity to the private...
13
Beaches and ponds
Astúrias Beach is a compact, urban stretch of sand located in the city of Guarujá, known for its consistent waves and pr...
14
Beaches and ponds
Praia do Mar Casado is a beach in Guarujá defined by a tidal sandbar that physically connects the mainland to Ilha do Ma...
15
Beaches and ponds
Praia de Itaguaré is a largely undeveloped coastal stretch in Bertioga, São Paulo, defined by the meeting of the Itaguar...
16
Beaches and ponds
Praia das Conchas is a secluded, semi-private beach located within the residential gated community of Condomínio Iporang...
17
Beaches and ponds
Perequê Beach is a primary urban coastal destination located in Guarujá, São Paulo, characterized by its high volume of...
18
Beaches and ponds
Praia do Sorocotuba is a secluded cove situated between the more popular beaches of Enseada and Pernambuco in Guarujá. T...
19
Beaches and ponds
Marina Capital is a specialized nautical service hub located in Bertioga, São Paulo, focused on the maintenance, storage...
20
Places of interest
Praia de São Lourenço is a 4.5-kilometer urban beach located within the master-planned Riviera de São Lourenço community...
21
Beaches and ponds
Marina Guararu is a specialized nautical facility located along the Bertioga Channel on the coast of São Paulo, Brazil....
22
Parks
Prainha Branca is a secluded, car-free coastal village located on the eastern tip of Guarujá, accessible primarily via a...
23
Temples
Parish St. Rosa de Lima is a central Roman Catholic community hub located in the Vila Santa Rosa neighborhood of Guarujá...
24
Beaches and ponds
25
Beaches and ponds
26
Places of interest
27
Beaches and ponds
28
Venues
29
Museums
30
Places of interest
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Guarujá on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Guarujá
September to November is ideal, as the weather is warm and dry, avoiding both the intense summer crowds of January and the rainy winter months.
3-4 days, allowing enough time to experience both the high-density urban beaches and the quieter, more secluded coves.
Visitors typically use ride-sharing apps, taxis, or private cars to navigate between the island's various beaches, as public bus transit can be time-consuming.
Stay in Pitangueiras for proximity to shopping and dining, or choose the Enseada neighborhood for a more balanced access to the island's main attractions.
Mid-range, with a wide spectrum of options ranging from budget-friendly beachfront apartments to upscale hotel resorts.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 46 curated attractions in and around Guarujá, ranked by traveller ratings.
Praia do Guaiuba is the highest-rated place to visit in Guarujá right now.
The largest category is beaches and ponds, with 20 places to explore.
Travellers also explore São Paulo, Brasília, Fortaleza.
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