What Is the Water Like in the Lençóis Maranhenses? The Miracle of Rain in Sand Dunes

12/10/2025

Photo: Irlen Menezes / Blumar DMC

In the vast and majestic Lençóis Maranhenses, located in the heart of Maranhão, Brazil, one of the most fascinating natural spectacles on the planet takes place. During the first half of the year, rainfall transforms the sweeping sand dunes into a mosaic of crystal-clear, refreshing freshwater lagoons. This unique phenomenon occurs when the sand—acting like a giant sponge—absorbs the rainwater until it becomes saturated. Once it reaches its limit, the excess water settles in the valleys between dunes, forming lagoons that can reach depths of up to five meters.

Discover the Wonders of the Lençóis Maranhenses with Blumar

When to Visit and How to Get There

The best time to explore this paradise is from May to September, when the lagoons are full and offer an unforgettable experience of swimming in clear waters under bright blue skies. Your adventure begins in Barreirinhas, Santo Amaro, or Primeira Cruz—gateway towns to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park—where you’ll find all the infrastructure needed for a safe and comfortable visit.

What Are Water Levels Like from May to August?

Photo: ICMBio / Reproduction

Period: May to August (High water levels)

Recommended activities:

Water recreation, swimming
Lagoon and dune sightseeing
Hiking

After the rainy season on Maranhão’s eastern coast—lasting around four months of intense rain—the lagoons and rivers inside the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park reach their maximum water levels. This allows visitors to witness the iconic postcard scenery of the region: multicolored lagoons framed by white sand dunes.

What Are Water Levels Like from September to October?

Photo: ICMBio / Reproduction

Period: September to October / February to April (Medium water levels)

Recommended activities:

Limited water recreation
Lagoon and dune sightseeing
Hiking

As the dry season gradually sets in, the lagoons begin to evaporate under the effects of sun and wind. During this period, they are no longer as full but still allow for limited water activities. The park’s landscape starts to change: lagoons shrink in size and depth, and algae as well as aquatic vegetation become more common. At the beginning of the rainy season, the lagoon levels rise again, though heavy rain is frequent in the region.

What Are Water Levels Like from November to January?

Photo: ICMBio / Reproduction

Period: November to January (Low water levels)

Recommended activities:

Swimming in perennial lagoons
Dune sightseeing
Hiking

At the peak of the local “summer”—the dry season from November to January—temporary lagoons and rivers are either dry or hold very little water. The former lagoon beds turn into grasslands and marshy fields formed over the still-moist soil. During this time, swimming is possible only in perennial lagoons, such as Lagoa do Peixe and Lagoa da Esperança.

The best time to visit the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is from June to September, when hotels and guesthouses often fill up quickly. However, the park is open year-round, seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Unmatched Attractions

Imagine walking across Brazil’s tallest dunes, swimming in shimmering lagoons, and watching a sunset that paints the sky with every color of the rainbow. For adventure seekers, trekking across the park offers a deep connection with nature and even the chance to spend the night in hidden oases within this “Brazilian desert.”

What to Do in the Lençóis Maranhenses

Photo: Irlen Menezes / Blumar Turismo

Water Recreation: Swimming in the lagoons is refreshing and revitalizing, especially after hiking through the dunes.
Nature Sightseeing: The park delivers breathtaking landscapes—perfect for travelers seeking peace and serenity.
Hiking: Exploring dunes and lagoons on foot is the best way to take in the immensity and beauty of the region.

Choose Blumar DMC for Your Adventure

To ensure a safe, well-planned, and enriching experience in the Lençóis Maranhenses, Blumar DMC is the ideal choice. With years of expertise and deep knowledge of this unique destination, Blumar offers packages tailored to your needs, ensuring your trip is as comfortable and fulfilling as possible.

Why the Lençóis Maranhenses Are Unmissable

Photo: Wilson Santos Marques / Shutterstock.com

According to traveler testimonials and tourism statistics, the Lençóis Maranhenses are more than just a travel destination—they are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The transformation of dunes into freshwater lagoons is a natural spectacle everyone should witness at least once. The mix of off-road adventure, awe-inspiring landscapes, and an unparalleled connection with nature makes this one of the most stunning places in Brazil and the world.

5 Reasons to Book Your Lençóis Maranhenses Trip with Blumar

Photo: Biaman Prado / MTur

Booking your Lençóis Maranhenses package with Blumar Turismo guarantees an unforgettable experience for several key reasons. Here are the top five:

1. Expertise and Local Knowledge

Blumar Turismo has extensive experience and deep understanding of the Lençóis Maranhenses. This allows the agency to design personalized itineraries that highlight the region’s best lagoons, dunes, and ideal visiting times—ensuring a complete and unique experience.

2. Safety and Reliability

Safety is Blumar Turismo’s top priority. The agency works with certified, adapted vehicles that offer both comfort during off-road excursions and security in challenging terrain. All guides are experienced locals, providing peace of mind throughout your adventure.

3. Personalized Service

Blumar stands out for its personalized attention, adapting each trip to the traveler’s preferences and needs. Whether it’s a family getaway, solo adventure, or romantic escape, Blumar creates packages perfectly suited to your plans.

4. Commitment to Sustainability

Understanding the importance of preserving the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity, Blumar follows sustainable practices across its operations. This ensures your visit contributes to environmental conservation while offering a responsible and authentic experience.

5. Exclusive Access to Attractions and Experiences

Thanks to local partnerships and in-depth regional knowledge, Blumar provides access to exclusive experiences, including lesser-known areas of the park, cultural encounters with local communities, and unique ways of experiencing the Lençóis Maranhenses that most visitors never see.

Choosing Blumar DMC means opting for a safe, personalized, and enriching journey—curated by those who truly understand and respect this extraordinary destination.

Photo: Wilson Santos Marques / Shutterstock.com

The Lençóis Maranhenses are a natural treasure with freshwater lagoons, sand dunes, and rich surrounding biodiversity. This wonder of nature is the perfect escape for travelers seeking adventure, beauty, and tranquility. With Blumar, your trip to the Lençóis Maranhenses becomes an unforgettable journey filled with admiration, fun, and relaxation. Don’t miss the chance to discover one of Brazil’s most incredible places, where rainwater and sand dunes create a truly magical landscape.

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FAQ: What Is the Water Like in the Lençóis Maranhenses?

Photo: estronciobr / Shutterstock.com

1. What makes the water in the Lençóis Maranhenses so unique?

The water in the Lençóis Maranhenses comes exclusively from rainfall, which fills the valleys between the dunes after months of heavy precipitation.
The sand acts like a giant sponge: once it becomes saturated, the rainwater accumulates in natural basins, forming crystal-clear freshwater lagoons—some reaching up to 5 meters deep.
This phenomenon exists nowhere else on Earth with the same scale and beauty.

2. When are the lagoons full in the Lençóis Maranhenses?

The lagoons reach their peak between May and September, the best time to visit if you want to swim, explore, and photograph the iconic landscapes of the park.

3. What is lagoon water level like from May to August?

📌 Period: May–August — High Water Level

During these months, the lagoons are at their maximum capacity.
Recommended activities:

Swimming and water recreation
Hiking among the dunes
Scenic photography and contemplation

This is the most popular season because it showcases the postcard-perfect Lençóis Maranhenses.

4. What is lagoon water level like from September to October?

📌 Period: September–October / February–April — Medium Water Level

As the dry season sets in, the lagoons begin to shrink.
Still, it’s possible to enjoy:

Limited swimming
Walks through dunes and viewpoints
Changing landscapes with smaller lagoons, algae, and aquatic plants

The scenery remains beautiful, but in transition.

5. What is lagoon water level like from November to January?

📌 Period: November–January — Low Water Level

This is the height of the dry season.
You’ll find:

Temporary lagoons dry or very shallow
Grasslands forming over wet soil
Swimming possible only in permanent lagoons (Lagoa do Peixe and Lagoa da Esperança)

Even so, the park remains spectacular for hiking and dune exploration.

6. What are the main gateway cities to the Lençóis Maranhenses?

You can access the park from three main towns:

Barreirinhas
Santo Amaro
Primeira Cruz

All offer lodging, guides, and transport for park excursions.

7. What can you do in the Lençóis Maranhenses?

Top experiences include:

Swimming in the lagoons (seasonal)
Hiking across dunes and freshwater pools
Long-distance treks for adventure travelers
Sunset watching from dune ridges
Nature contemplation in one of Brazil’s most surreal landscapes

8. Are the Lençóis Maranhenses beautiful year-round?

Yes!
Even when the lagoons are not full, you’ll find:

Impressive dune fields
Small oasis communities
Vast desert-like scenery
Unique local culture

But for lagoon swimming, visit June–September.

9. Why are the Lençóis Maranhenses considered a must-see destination?

Because no other place combines:

Rain-fed lagoons
Gigantic white dunes
Off-road desert adventure
Unspoiled nature at this scale

The transformation of dunes into a mosaic of freshwater pools is a once-in-a-lifetime natural phenomenon.

10. Is it worth booking a trip to the Lençóis with Blumar DMC?

Absolutely — here are five essential reasons from your text:

Local Expertise
Blumar designs optimized itineraries based on deep regional knowledge.
Safety & Reliability
The company operates licensed 4x4 vehicles and highly trained local guides.
Personalized Service
Every itinerary is tailored — family trips, romantic getaways, solo adventures.
Commitment to Sustainability
Blumar follows eco-friendly practices that help protect the park.
Exclusive Access & Experiences
Thanks to local partnerships, Blumar offers unique routes and cultural encounters unavailable to most visitors.