Ilha de Santo Aleixo

Santo Aleixo Island lies about 3 km east of Barra de Sirinhaém and is a volcanic island made of rhyolites. These rhyolites are about 100 million years old and are contemporary with the other rocks of the Ipojuca Magmatic Suite. The fractures in the rocks record the contraction and rapid cooling of the magma, and the outing combines beach, trail and volcanic rock formations.

To the south, a cove sheltered by rocks forms a large pool of calm, warm, transparent water. On the island you can see coral, colourful fish and even sea turtles. Snorkelling at Praia da Ferradura reveals many small fish, transparent fish, sea urchins and corals, and an octopus hiding in a crevice and a small eel have been seen. In the natural pools you can also see small fish with a mask and snorkel.

The best time is usually the dry season, from September to February or March, with more stable weather, less rain, calmer seas and clearer water. From April to August it tends to rain more, and the water can become murky.