Praia do Bessa ( Caribessa ) - João Pessoa (Pb) - Expedição Brasil de Frente para o Mar - Ep.# 1498

Hello, friends of the Channel: Today we arrive at another one of those places that manages to mix urban atmosphere, calm sea, and that pleasant beach vibe where time seems to slow down. And this time, the destination is the famous Praia do Bessa, in João Pessoa, on the coast of Paraíba. An extensive, beautiful beach, full of contrasts, that has become a favorite of both tourists and residents of the Paraíba capital. Bessa is located at the northernmost point of João Pessoa's urban beaches. For many people, it's the last beach in the capital before entering the neighboring city of Cabedelo. But it can also be considered the first beach on the northern coast of João Pessoa, depending on the direction of travel. And those who follow our Expedition Brazil Facing the Sea know… here we always travel from south to north and we like precisely these transitions, these places where one city practically merges into another, but each stretch maintains its own personality. If you want to get to know Praia do Bessa better, come with me in today's episode. Bessa Beach stretches for about six kilometers, with light-colored, packed sand and warm, greenish, and generally calm waters. Perhaps it's precisely this combination that has made it one of the most sought-after spots in João Pessoa for families, seniors, children, and people who simply want to relax without worrying about strong waves. The name "Bessa" comes from Manuel Bessa, the former owner of the region's lands at the end of the 17th century. Over the years, the area grew, urbanized, and transformed into one of the most valued neighborhoods in the capital of Paraíba. Today, Bessa boasts modern buildings, high-end condominiums, inns, hotels, varied commerce, and an infrastructure that makes many people choose the neighborhood not only for leisure but also to live in. But there's a special stretch of the beach that has gained its own fame and ended up receiving a loving nickname: Caribessa. And you only need to look at the sea to understand why. The crystal-clear, shallow, blue-green waters truly resemble some Caribbean landscapes. On days with low tide, the view is breathtaking. The reefs act as a kind of natural protection, holding back the waves and forming enormous natural pools perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. In fact, if you intend to experience the best of Bessa, it's well worth checking the tide charts before your visit. When the low tide is close to 0.4 or less, the beach completely changes its appearance. The natural pools appear, the water becomes even more transparent, and the scenery takes on that almost paradisiacal aspect that helped solidify the name Caribessa among tourists and locals. Another interesting detail is that boat, speedboat, and catamaran trips depart from there to the famous Red Sand Island, one of the most well-known postcards of the Paraíba coast. During low tide, the sandbar emerges in the middle of the ocean, forming a true natural park surrounded by shallow, crystal-clear waters. And for those who enjoy water sports, Bessa is practically a permanent invitation. Along various points of the coastline, it's common to see people practicing stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, kitesurfing, and even diving. Few people know, but there are shipwrecks scattered a few kilometers from the coast, such as the wrecks of the vessels Alice, Queimado, and Alvarenga, which attract divers interested in observing the marine life that has taken over these structures over the years. Even though it's an urban beach, Bessa manages to maintain a relatively tranquil atmosphere compared to more central beaches like Tambaú and Cabo Branco. Here, the feeling is more residential, more family-oriented, closer to that "beach neighborhood" style. In many stretches, especially during the week, it's still possible to find emptier areas, perfect for leisurely walks on the sand or simply sitting and watching the sea. The tourist infrastructure exists, but without excess. Along the coastline, you'll find well-known bars, restaurants, kiosks, and lounges. Many offer chairs, umbrellas, snacks, seafood, broths, and that typical northeastern summer atmosphere that perfectly complements the landscape. It's worth remembering that Bessa beach has little natural shade. Coconut trees appear in some sections, but not in large numbers along the sand. Therefore, many people end up renting umbrellas and chairs to spend the day more comfortably.