In short
- Bring biodegradable sunscreen and a UV-protection shirt.
- Wear sandals for trails and go barefoot on the dunes.
- Use a dry bag to protect your phone from blowing sand.
In this article
Visiting the 155,000-hectare dune fields requires walking up steep 30-meter (98-foot) slopes in the sun. Carrying heavy bags will slow you down. A small, lightweight daypack is enough to hold your essentials for a half-day 4x4 circuit.
What clothes should I wear for the dunes?
Wear swimwear under light hiking clothes or a UV-protection rash guard.
You will transition between riding in a 4x4, climbing dunes, and swimming in the freshwater lagoons. Changing rooms are not available. A light, long-sleeve shirt protects your arms from intense sun exposure. Bring a microfiber travel towel to dry off quickly before the ride back.
What are the best shoes for climbing the dunes?
Bring sandals or flip-flops for the vehicle and walking barefoot on the sand.
You do not need heavy hiking boots. Walking barefoot is the easiest way to climb the steep sand dunes. Footwear is still required for walking around town and navigating the short trails from the 4x4 parking zones to the dunes.
How do I protect myself from the sun and heat?
Use biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat with a chin strap.
Ocean winds shape the dunes and blow constantly across the park. A chin strap keeps your hat from blowing away. You must use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the fragile ecosystems of the seasonal rainwater lagoons. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in the high heat.
| Item | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable sunscreen | Protects skin and delicate lagoon water |
| Hat with chin strap | Blocks sun and stays on in strong winds |
| UV-blocking sunglasses | Protects eyes from sun and blowing sand |
| Reusable water bottle | Essential hydration in high heat |
How do I keep sand out of my camera and phone?
Pack your electronics in a dry bag.
Fine white sand blows continuously over the dunes. A standard backpack zipper will not stop sand from getting inside. A dry bag seals tightly, protecting your phone, camera, and wallet from both sand and sudden splashes while swimming.
Do I need a large backpack for a day tour?
No, bring a small, lightweight daypack.
Most lagoon tours, like Lagoa Azul or Lagoa Bonita, last four to five hours. You only need enough space for your towel, water, and sun protection. Heavy bags make climbing the 30-meter (98-foot) dunes much harder.
What should I pack for the river and coastal tours?
Bring the same dune gear, plus some cash for snacks and small purchases.
If you take a speedboat tour on the Preguiças River to Vassouras or Atins, you will still encounter dunes and sun. Keep your belongings secure at Vassouras, as wild capuchin monkeys are known to grab loose snacks from visitors.
Questions travellers ask
Can I use regular sunscreen in the lagoons?
No. You should pack biodegradable sunscreen to prevent chemical damage to the fragile freshwater ecosystems in the park.
Should I bring hiking boots?
No. Hiking boots will fill with sand and weigh you down. Bring sandals for the trails and walk the dunes barefoot.
Can I bring food into the park?
You can bring small snacks, but you must pack out all your trash. Barbecues and camping stoves are strictly prohibited inside the park.
