Guarujá offers several highlights to consider when planning a trip: beaches, water activities, historic buildings, and a route through protected Mata Atlântica.

Beaches: Surfing, Water Sports, and Tides

Praia do Tombo is one of Guarujá’s most important surfing areas. According to the city’s tourism information as of September 2026, it was the only beach in the state of São Paulo with Blue Flag certification. Certification status may change.

Praia do Pernambuco is about 1.5 kilometers long. Boards are rented there, stand-up paddleboarding lessons are offered, and banana boat rides are organized. The availability of these activities may change, so it is best to check before visiting.

At low tide, a sandbar reaches Ilha do Mar Casado and separates Praia do Pernambuco from the small Praia do Mar Casado. If you specifically want to experience this feature, check the low tide: the sandbar is tied to this tidal phase.

So, when choosing between the beaches, the question is more about surfing conditions or a combination of water sports and a tidal feature.

History and Protected Landscapes

Forte dos Andradas is part of an extensive protected area of Mata Atlântica and features military architecture. Its structural features include galleries built into the hill’s rock. Alongside the coastal landscape, the fort offers a distinct perspective on historic construction. Military architecture refers to building forms associated with military functions; at the fort, the term can be seen in the galleries built into the hill.

In northern Guarujá are the Ruínas da Ermida de Santo Antônio do Guaibê: the remains of a chapel built in the 16th century. The chapel is one of Brazil’s first churches.

The Trilha das Ruínas provides access to the ruins. It begins on Rodovia Ariovaldo de Almeida Viana, on the road between Guarujá and Bertioga, and passes through a protected area of Mata Atlântica on the way to its destination.

More Local Discoveries

Pavilhão da Maria Fumaça is on Avenida Leomil in central Guarujá and houses the century-old Maria Fumaça locomotive. A marine animal rehabilitation center is located on Ilha dos Arvoredos.

There is more than one option for those interested in culture: Forte dos Andradas represents military architecture, the Ermida offers a glimpse into early church history, and the Pavilhão houses a century-old locomotive. These differences can be a starting point if you prefer historic buildings or the history of technology.

Discover more destinations: Campos Do Jordão, Ourinhos, Votorantim, Tarumã, Porto Góis, Botucatu, São José Dos Campos, São Paulo.

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