Fortalez?

[doverite]

Our ship docks in Fortalez, Brazil. Has anyone taken a private tour there, or a ship's excursion:)?

[Waynetor]

We were there De 31/07. It was a public holiday so some things were closed. We just did a self guided walking tour so can't help on other tours but can point out that the ship docks in a real port area and you need a shuttle to town - $5 back then. This was poorly organized into town with long lines and little help available. Eventually Princess started handing out water to those in line. They do not get many cruise ships there so are not set up for tourism the way many ports are. English is not a common lanuage. It is near the equater, we were lucky it was hot, but not as hot as it often is. For ship excursions pasengers were picked up at the ship and taxis were available just outside the gates for those not wanting to take a shuttle.

Wayne S.

[Mines]

We have been to Fortaleza many times and we love the city. It is one of those places that nearly all Brazilians love and the foreigners either love or hate.

 

The weather is always the same 85º with the normal tropical mixture of sunshine and showers. The showers are usually early morning, so it should not bother your excursions during the day.

 

There is no real point, in one day, seeing the town - it is not much different from other large cities in Brazil. The best part is the beach at "Praia do Futuro" which is very near the port - a taxi gets you there in 10 minutes.

 

Away from Fortaleza are spectacular beaches, many of which are totally unspoilt. If you could hire a car this is the best option, other wise there are many excursions available. We have always stayed in hotels, so excursions have always been organised through them, so I do not have any details of operators you could contact.

[Ontario Cruiser]

We have been to Fortaleza many times and we love the city. It is one of those places that nearly all Brazilians love and the foreigners either love or hate.

 

The weather is always the same 85º with the normal tropical mixture of sunshine and showers. The showers are usually early morning, so it should not bother your excursions during the day.

 

There is no real point, in one day, seeing the town - it is not much different from other large cities in Brazil. The best part is the beach at "Praia do Futuro" which is very near the port - a taxi gets you there in 10 minutes.

 

Away from Fortaleza are spectacular beaches, many of which are totally unspoilt. If you could hire a car this is the best option, other wise there are many excursions available. We have always stayed in hotels, so excursions have always been organised through them, so I do not have any details of operators you could contact.

 

Is this a good swimming beach with not too many waves? Any other beaches close by that you would recommend?

Thanks Ontario Cruiser

[doverite]

Thanks so much for the information. We really appreciate it. Someone else had told my husband to just do the beaches as well.:)

[Mines]

Do not go to the beaches of Meirelles or Iracema - they are polluted. A stroll along the 3km beach road is quite pleasant though.

 

For the best beach, go to Praia de Futuro. It is very close to the port, but you have to pass a rather tacky and unsafe district to get there - so take a taxi. There are lots of beach bars - you just plant yourself down and they serve you a delightful variety of food and drinks.

 

The water is warm but there are usually some fairly strong waves. Meirelles and Iracema do not have such strong waves, which is probably why they are poluted.

 

Away from Fortaleza there is Beach Park - a water theme park complex that is rather good and in the other direction (about 20 miles) there is Cumbuco, with kite flying and buggy rides across the dunes.

[Paul123]

Do not go to the beaches of Meirelles or Iracema - they are polluted. A stroll along the 3km beach road is quite pleasant though.

 

For the best beach, go to Praia de Futuro. It is very close to the port, but you have to pass a rather tacky and unsafe district to get there - so take a taxi. There are lots of beach bars - you just plant yourself down and they serve you a delightful variety of food and drinks.

 

The water is warm but there are usually some fairly strong waves. Meirelles and Iracema do not have such strong waves, which is probably why they are poluted.

 

Away from Fortaleza there is Beach Park - a water theme park complex that is rather good and in the other direction (about 20 miles) there is Cumbuco, with kite flying and buggy rides across the dunes.

 

Thanks for your advise. I'm quite looking forward to a day at Praida de Futuro