This is one of the few places in the world where wild dolphins actively participate in cooperative fishing with humans.
The jetties reach approximately 1,800 meters into the ocean, constructed to stabilize the canal entrance.
The dolphins involved are wild, not trained, and have learned to signal to local fishers when to cast their nets.
The cooperative behavior is passed down through generations of dolphins via social learning rather than genetic instinct.
The mullet migration season dictates the peak period for observing the cooperative fishing phenomenon.
The Molhes da Praia da Barra are two massive stone jetties extending 1.8 kilometers into the Atlantic Ocean, designed to manage the flow between the sea and the Lagoa de Santo Antônio. These jetties serve as the habitat for a resident population of wild bottlenose dolphins that engage in cooperative fishing with local artisanal fishers. This unique cultural practice, known as 'cooperative fishing,' has been documented for over a century, where dolphins drive schools of mullet toward the nets of stationary fishers. The concrete and rock structures provide a pedestrian walkway that allows visitors to walk well past the breaking surf line. The area is highly exposed to oceanic winds, which significantly influence the water's surface turbulence and the visibility of marine life. The jetties act as a natural harbor entrance, ensuring the navigability of the Laguna canal for commercial vessels. Marine currents at the tip of the jetties are extremely strong and create significant hazards for swimmers. The surrounding area connects directly to the sandy expanse of Praia da Barra.
The very tip of the northern jetty, providing an unobstructed view of the open ocean and the Laguna coastline.
Bring a windbreaker or heavy jacket as the ocean breeze is constant and often cold, even in summer.
Wear sneakers with good grip, as the rock and concrete surfaces are uneven and become slippery when wet.
Stay away from the very edge of the jetties during high tide or storm swells, as waves frequently wash over the walkway.
Do not attempt to swim near the jetty walls, as the currents are notoriously strong and dangerous.
Do not attempt to feed or touch the dolphins. Keep a respectful distance from local fishers and their nets.
