Calhetas Beach EcoTour: the Almost Deserted Beach Near Maresias
By MaresiasTur · · Updated on · 4 min read
Quick answer
The EcoTour takes you to Calhetas Beach, in São Sebastião, an almost deserted beach with white sand and rock formations, with round-trip transportation departing from the agency in Maresias and a certified local guide. It lasts about 3 hours and is suited to couples and families.
Between Maresias and downtown São Sebastião there's a beach that feels like a secret: Calhetas Beach. White sand, natural rock formations, and that feeling of an almost deserted beach. The EcoTour takes travelers there with transportation departing from the agency and a certified local guide, with no hassle over access or parking.
The tour lasts about 3 hours, with departures at 9 am and 2 pm, every day. It's relaxed, with no notable physical effort, and suited to couples and families.
Where is Calhetas Beach?
Calhetas lies on the São Sebastião coast, on the way from Maresias to downtown. Following the shore past Paúba, Santiago, and Toque-Toque, you'll find Calhetas before Guaecá and Barequeçaba. The cove is small, bordered by a rocky headland and a forested hill.
How do you get to Calhetas Beach from Maresias?
The easiest way is with the EcoTour: transportation departs from the MaresiasTur agency, at Av. Francisco Loup, 500, in Maresias, and brings the group back at the end of the tour. That way, travelers only have to worry about enjoying the day. It's recommended to arrive at the agency 30 minutes early.
Keep in mind that Uber and 99 don't work in São Sebastião. To plan your transportation to Maresias and around town, the guide to getting to and around Maresias can help.
What is the Calhetas Beach EcoTour like?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Departure | MaresiasTur agency, Av. Francisco Loup, 500, Maresias |
| Destination | Calhetas Beach, with white sand and rock formations |
| Duration | About 3 hours |
| Times | 9 am and 2 pm, every day |
| Group | Up to 12 people per departure; bookings from 1 person |
| Profile | Relaxed tour, suited to couples and families |
Why is Calhetas so charming?
It's one of the region's most photogenic spots: the rocks frame the ocean and give every photo a postcard feel. And since it's less crowded, it's the right beach for anyone wanting to escape the buzz of Maresias for a few hours. The local guide knows the beach and helps the group make the most of the time there.
The cove is also part of the coastal Atlantic Forest, with a rocky headland, coconut palms, and a green hill. To know what to look out for in this kind of setting, it's worth reading the guide to the Atlantic Forest in Maresias.
What's included and how much does it cost?
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Transportation to the beach | Drinks |
| Certified local guide | Food |
| Time at the beach | Sunscreen and insect repellent |
| Return transportation | Swimwear and towel |
The price is R$ 150 per person (reference price for September 2026). The current price and open time slots are on the Calhetas Beach EcoTour page. Ecotourism activities are paid in advance, and the cancellation policy covers refund and rescheduling deadlines: purchases made on the site can be canceled up to 7 days before the tour date, with a full refund, and date changes can be requested up to 48 hours in advance, subject to availability.
What should you bring to Calhetas Beach?
- Swimwear and a towel, which aren't included.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Water and a snack: more preserved beaches usually have little infrastructure.
- Water shoes, which help when walking near the rocks.
- A bag to carry your trash back out.
More tips are in the post what to bring for a boat tour, hike, and rappelling.
Bringing your trash back makes a difference on quieter beaches like Calhetas. MaresiasTur is a partner of the E-LIXO program, run by the São Sebastião city government, which trades electronic waste for native Atlantic Forest seedlings, and has already planted more than 2,000 of them. The story is in the post on sustainability, native seedlings, and trash.
Who is the EcoTour for?
Couples looking for a beautiful setting and families wanting a relaxed tour. Since the EcoTour lasts about 3 hours and departs at 9 am and 2 pm, there's still half the day left for another activity, like the 7 Quedas Waterfall hike or an afternoon at Maresias beach. More ideas for a trip with kids are in the guide to tours in Maresias with kids.
Calhetas also appears in other agency itineraries: it's a swimming and snorkeling stop on the way back from the boat tour to Ilhabela and the site of the 96-meter (315 ft) waterfall rappel, for anyone wanting to see the region from a very different angle.
Frequently asked questions
- How do you get to Calhetas Beach from Maresias?
- MaresiasTur's EcoTour includes round-trip transportation departing from the agency, at Av. Francisco Loup, 500, in Maresias, with a certified local guide.
- How long does the Calhetas Beach EcoTour last?
- About 3 hours, with departures at 9 am and 2 pm, every day.
- How much does the Calhetas Beach EcoTour cost?
- R$ 150 per person (reference price for September 2026; the tour page shows the current price).
- Is the Calhetas EcoTour suitable for kids?
- It's a relaxed tour, suited to couples and families. Bring sunscreen, water, and swimwear, which aren't included.
- Where is Calhetas Beach located?
- On the São Sebastião coast, on the way from Maresias to downtown, past Paúba, Santiago, and Toque-Toque and before Guaecá and Barequeçaba.
