If there is a place where nature was blessed by God, that place is the Parnaiba River Delta. The encounter of the “Old Monk” with the Atlantic Ocean, in the border between the states of Piaui and Maranhão, keeps a series of landscapes and surprises that you will never forget after your eyes and senses explore them.

The Delta is, undoubtedly, the biggest tourist attraction of the State of Piaui. Tourists from all around the world come to the city of Parnaiba, the second largest in the state, to see from close range the famous Delta of the most important river in the region. The boat excursion by the river is just unforgettable.

Seen from above, the encounter of the Parnaiba River with the Atlantic Ocean reminds a giant puzzle, with its parts being its 73 islands. Below, you have to decipher the water paths to navigate to safety, not to get lost in the “igarapes” or get stuck on a sand bank. After all these singularities, the Delta has even more surprises. Within one same ecosystem, it keeps different and curious landscapes: rivers, lagoons, giant dunes, deserted beaches of the whitest sand, and the various mangrove types of the region. It is like we could see in one place the many faces of our large country.

Attractions

Ponta das Canarias
This straight beach, with dunes and soft sands, is ideal for fishing. This beach is located in the island that bears the same name.

Pedra do Sal
Belonging to the Ilha Grande de Santa Isabel County, Pedra do Sal has dunes, clear water lagoons and hills. On the right side of the beach the waves are quite strong.

Blue Lagoon
This lagoon, formed by the winter rains, reminds the landscapes of the Lençóis Maranhenses. It is located between the dunes and its waters are sweet.

Caju Island
This is a privately owned island, yet it is open for visitation. Many dunes cover the island, and the culture and folklore of the local population are another aspect worth knowing.

Night life
At night, the best attraction is to sit by the Igaraçu River and taste the delicious sea fruits offered by the local restaurants.

Geography and History

Weather
The region has a tropical weather, with an average temperature of 26ºC.

Vegetation and fauna
The Delta has a very rich ecosystem. It is formed by dunes, forests, plantations, mangroves and deserted beaches. The Prego monkey, yellow-throat alligators, herons and the Uça crab are part of the local fauna.

Topography
The region is formed by many channels, countless islands, dunes, lagoons, mangroves and “restinga” forests. At the Caju Island the ground is sandy and is characterized by its bromeliads and cactuses.

History and Culture
Nicolau Resende discovered this paradise in 1640. His discovery was done by chance, after his ship sank at the Parnaiba River mouth. The captain lost dozens of tons of gold and silver, and spent the following 16 years looking for his treasure.