
Lagoa do Capitão
A serene lake offering iconic views of Pico Mountain, surrounded by native flora and gentle walking trails.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light

Lagoa do Capitão
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene lake offering iconic views of Pico Mountain, surrounded by native flora and gentle walking trails.
"Beautiful lake with prehistoric-like views and a great view on Pico."

🎯 Pack a Picnic
Bring your own food and drinks as there are no facilities nearby. Enjoy a peaceful meal with a view! :picnic_table:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for exploring the walking trails and enjoying the scenic surroundings. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 173 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pico Mountain Views
Overlooking the lake
Capture breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Pico Mountain, especially stunning with the lake in the foreground.

Tranquil Waters
The lake itself
Enjoy the peaceful, blue-green waters surrounded by lush native flora. Perfect for quiet contemplation.

Walking Trails
Around the lake
Explore gentle walking trails offering unique perspectives of the lake and island landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Pack Smart for Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Picnic
Bring your own food and drinks as there are no facilities nearby. Enjoy a peaceful meal with a view! :picnic_table:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for exploring the walking trails and enjoying the scenic surroundings. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Best Photo Spot
Walk a bit uphill for incredible panoramic views of the entire island and Pico Mountain. :camerawithflash:
♻️ Leave No Trace
Help preserve the natural beauty by taking all your trash with you. ♻️
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Picnic
Bring your own food and drinks as there are no facilities nearby. Enjoy a peaceful meal with a view! :picnic_table:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for exploring the walking trails and enjoying the scenic surroundings. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Best Photo Spot
Walk a bit uphill for incredible panoramic views of the entire island and Pico Mountain. :camerawithflash:
♻️ Leave No Trace
Help preserve the natural beauty by taking all your trash with you. ♻️
🐄 Fluffy Cow Encounters
Keep an eye out for the friendly, fluffy cows grazing nearby – a unique photo opportunity! 🐄
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lagoa do Capitão for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the iconic views of Pico Mountain and the tranquil blue-green waters. The peaceful atmosphere and gentle walking trails are highlighted as major draws, offering a serene escape. Some note the lack of facilities and recommend visiting on weekdays for a quieter experience.
"Among the many small lakes of the island, Lagoa do Capitao is reached mainly to catch some of the best views on mighty mountain cone of the Pico. It lies on a georaphicaly very central part of the island, without populated places around. The landscape is beautifull, blue water and green trees around it."
ANASTASIOS TSAGKLAS
"A beautiful lake where you can see the Pico Mountain right behind it. It's a great place to take pictures. Also there are a lot of fluffy cows nearby."
Diogo Bettencourt
"Well the weather was not so nice so I couldn’t enjoy the trekking around this small lake and its surroundings but the place is quiet, not so many people, worth to visit."
Tereza Andrijko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lagoa do Capitão is centrally located on the island. Access is typically via car or taxi. The roads can be unpaved in some areas, so a 4x4 vehicle might be beneficial, especially after rain.
Lagoa do Capitão is on São Jorge Island, which requires a ferry or flight from São Luís. Once on the island, you'll need local transport to reach the lake.
Lagoa do Capitão is not directly in Atins, which is known for the Lençóis Maranhenses. You'll need to travel to São Jorge Island first.
Public transport directly to the lake is limited. Renting a car or hiring a local guide with a vehicle is the most common and convenient way to visit.
Travel time from the ferry port on São Jorge Island to Lagoa do Capitão can vary depending on road conditions and your specific location, but expect at least 30-60 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Lagoa do Capitão. It's a natural attraction open to the public. 🆓
Lagoa do Capitão is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no official opening or closing times. :clock1:
The walking trails around Lagoa do Capitão are free to access, as they are part of the natural landscape. :hiking_boot:
Yes, Lagoa do Capitão is accessible year-round. However, the water levels and surrounding vegetation might vary with the seasons.
The main guideline is to respect the natural environment. Avoid littering and disturbing the flora and fauna.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the scenic views, take photos, walk the trails, relax by the water, and observe the local flora and fauna. Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding might be possible if you bring your own equipment. 🛶
While the water appears inviting, swimming conditions can vary. It's best to check locally or observe if others are swimming. The primary draw is the scenery. :swimmer:
No, there are no facilities such as restrooms, cafes, or shops directly at Lagoa do Capitão. It's a natural, undeveloped area. 🚽
Yes, the walking trails are generally gentle, and the calm atmosphere is pleasant. However, supervision is crucial near the water. :child:
You might see various native birds and insects. The area is also known for its fluffy cows grazing nearby. 🐦
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, creating beautiful reflections on the water and highlighting the Pico Mountain. :sunriseovermountains:
The viewpoints overlooking the lake with Pico Mountain in the background are iconic. Also, the walking trails offer unique compositions with the native flora. 📷
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in protected natural areas. :drone:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance the water's colors. :camerawithflash:
The reflection of Pico Mountain on a calm day is a must-capture. Also, the fluffy cows add a charming element to your photos. :camerawithflash:


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit