Emergency in Maresias: Hospital, Phone Numbers, and Where to Get Help
By MaresiasTur · · 5 min read
Quick answer
In an emergency in Maresias, call 192 (SAMU), 193 (Fire Department), or 190 (Military Police); at sea, call 185 (Salvamar, the Navy). The reference 24-hour ER is at the Hospital de Clínicas de São Sebastião – Costa Sul, in Boiçucanga.
In an emergency in Maresias, the fastest path is the phone: 192 for SAMU (the national emergency medical service), 193 for the Fire Department, 190 for the Military Police, and 185 for emergencies at sea, handled by Salvamar, the Brazilian Navy's maritime rescue service. The reference 24-hour ER for the South Coast of São Sebastião is at the Hospital de Clínicas de São Sebastião – Costa Sul, in Boiçucanga.
This guide gathers the phone numbers confirmed by official sources, what's known about the region's hospital, and practical safety tips for trails, waterfalls, and boat tours. The information was checked in September 2026. The tip is to save these numbers on your phone before heading to the beach or into the forest, along with the contact of the agency running your tour.
What are the emergency phone numbers in Maresias?
Maresias is a neighborhood of São Sebastião, so the national emergency numbers and the municipality's services apply. The numbers below appear on official pages of the São Sebastião City Hall, the municipality's urban security department, the SP Sempre Alerta program, and the Brazilian Navy.
| Number | Service | When to call |
|---|---|---|
| 192 | SAMU | Medical emergency, such as sudden illness or an injury accident |
| 193 | Fire Department | Rescues, drowning, and fire |
| 190 | Military Police | Crime in progress or a safety risk |
| 185 | Salvamar (Navy), 24 hours and free | Emergencies at sea |
| 199 | São Sebastião Civil Defense, 24 hours | Floods, landslides, and structural damage |
| 153 | São Sebastião Municipal Guard, 24 hours | Security incidents in the municipality |
What is the closest hospital to Maresias?
The reference hospital for Maresias is the Hospital de Clínicas de São Sebastião – Costa Sul (HCSS-CS), in Boiçucanga, on Av. Walkir Vergani. The São Sebastião Public Health Foundation also calls it the Costa Sul Hospital – Boiçucanga. Opened in November 2020, it has a 24-hour emergency department, a lab, X-ray, a surgical center, pediatric care, a SAMU base, and a helipad, according to the São Sebastião City Hall. By the same source, the hospital treated about 380 patients a day in 2023 and served as the reference for about 40,000 residents of the South Coast.
The hospital's direct phone number and exact street number weren't found in an official source, so they're not listed here. In an emergency, call 192: SAMU provides guidance over the phone and coordinates care. For mild symptoms or medication questions, the recommendation is to see a doctor or a pharmacist, without self-medicating.
Uber, 99, and similar apps don't operate in São Sebastião, so it's worth planning transportation before you need it. Transportation alternatives are in the guide on how to get to Maresias and get around.
How do you call for help at sea?
At sea, the number is 185, for Salvamar, the Brazilian Navy's maritime and river emergency service, free and available 24 hours. 193, the Fire Department, also handles rescues. When you call, say where you are (beach, island, or landmark), how many people need help, and what happened.
On MaresiasTur's boat tours, safety starts before boarding: every departure has a licensed skipper and safety equipment. If weather, tides, or maritime safety prevent a departure, travelers choose between rescheduling at no cost or a full refund. During swim stops, follow the skipper's instructions. Anyone unsure of their swimming ability should tell the crew before entering the water and use the available flotation gear, such as the pool noodles on the shared boat tour to the 3 Islands of the South Coast.
What precautions should you take on trails and at waterfalls?
- Go with a certified guide. On the Maresias Waterfall Hike (7 Quedas), a certified ecotourism guide is included: it's a 2 km round-trip walk, easy level, inside a protected conservation area.
- Use the right gear. On the Lookout Rappelling and Calhetas Rappelling tours, all equipment and individual insurance are included, with certified Adventure Tourism guides or leaders.
- Watch the forecast. Heavy rain makes rivers and rocks more dangerous. If a departure is canceled due to weather, the same rule applies: reschedule at no cost or get a full refund.
- Share your health condition. Tell the team about any condition that could affect your safety, such as heart, spine, or inner-ear issues, especially before rappelling.
- Look after your feet. Wet rocks call for footwear with good grip near the water.
- Arrive early. The recommendation is to be at the meeting point 30 minutes ahead of time, to hear the instructions without rushing.
To choose a reliable operator, see the guide on ecotourism safety and how to choose an agency. The packing list is in what to bring for a boat tour, hike, and rappelling.
How do you get alerts for rough seas, storms, and landslides?
The São Paulo Civil Defense sends free SMS alerts: just text the ZIP code (CEP) of your location to 40199. There's also a WhatsApp channel and Cell Broadcast alerts, Defesa Civil Alerta, according to SP Sempre Alerta. For events like floods and landslides, the São Sebastião Civil Defense operates 24 hours at 199.
To understand sea warnings before a boat tour, see the guide on the São Sebastião tide table. And for days when the weather closes in, there are ideas in the post on what to do in Maresias when it rains.
What should you have ready before heading out on a tour?
- The numbers 192, 193, 190, and 185 saved on your phone, with the battery charged.
- A photo ID and information about allergies or health conditions, to share with the team if needed.
- The agency's contact. MaresiasTur's WhatsApp is (12) 99650-9051.
- A plan for getting back to your accommodation, since there's no ride-hailing service in town.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the SAMU phone number in Maresias?
- It's 192, the SAMU number. In a medical emergency, call right away: the team provides guidance over the phone.
- Where is the closest hospital to Maresias?
- The reference is the Hospital de Clínicas de São Sebastião – Costa Sul, on Av. Walkir Vergani, in Boiçucanga, with a 24-hour ER.
- What number do you call for an emergency at sea?
- Call 185, for Salvamar, a free, 24-hour Brazilian Navy service. 193, the Fire Department, also handles rescues.
- What is the phone number for the São Sebastião Municipal Guard?
- It's 153, available 24 hours, according to the São Sebastião City Hall.
- How do you get Civil Defense alerts in Maresias?
- Text the ZIP code (CEP) of your location to 40199. The service is free and sends alerts for storms, rough seas, and other risks.
