Making the most of Natal
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships berth in the centre of town.
Take a printable map with you.
Most people visiting Natal hire a buggy and driver to travel the coast north and south. Rio Grande do Norte's shoreline combines dunes, lagoons, falésias—rocky plateaus with abrupt edges—and vegetation. Add sunshine, welcoming people and good prices, and it is easy to see why Natal attracts an increasing number of visitors from around the world.
A half-day buggy trip typically costs R$240 for as many as four passengers. Check that the driver is accredited by the Associação de Bugeiros.
Money
The currency is the Brazilian Real.
Staying connected
Portuguese is spoken.
Cafes offering free WiFi to customers are uncommon.
Opening Hours and
Most shops and businesses keep basic hours of 9am to 6pm, with an extended lunch break around noon to 2pm.
Many museums close on monday.