Yes. Since the towns sit along the same coastline, a route can be arranged to stop at more than one—pairing Maragogi's pools with a lunch stop in Japaratinga or São Miguel dos Milagres, for example—rather than locking you into a single destination and a fixed schedule.
Maragogi sits about 130 km (81 miles) north of Maceió, with Japaratinga a bit closer at roughly 100 km (62 miles). A transfer typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours each way depending on traffic, while public buses on this route usually take longer once stops and connections are factored in.
Most visitors spend 3 to 5 hours in the water and on the sandbanks, since boat access to the reef pools depends on the tide. Building extra time into the schedule, rather than rushing there and back, makes for a far more relaxed day.
The direct beach road crosses several rivers that require small ferries or canoes, which isn't practical for a day trip. Daytrip journeys instead use the paved inland route, keeping the ride smooth and predictable rather than dependent on river crossings or bus connections that can add real time to the day.
São Miguel dos Milagres, about 90 km (56 miles) north, offers a quieter version of the natural pools experience with fewer crowds. South of the city, Barra de São Miguel is just 30 km (19 miles) away for a quick beach escape, while Pontal do Coruripe and the Lagoa do Peba, roughly 95 km (59 miles) south, pair open-ocean beaches with a scenic lagoon.
The natural pools around Maragogi and Japaratinga are the standout choice—calm, clear reef pools nicknamed the "Brazilian Caribbean" for their turquoise water and white sandbanks. It's an easy add-on to time in Maceió: head north for a half or full day, then be back in the city by evening.
