Private transfers from Maceió International Airport (MCZ) to anywhere in the city are the standard move - they beat taxis for reliability and price transparency. Many visitors also arrange the return transfer at the same time to lock it in. Check before you go whether your accommodation offers pickup or if you need to book independently.

Maragogi (about 90 minutes away) is the most popular for its reef and calm water - a full-day trip works well. São Miguel dos Milagres feels more remote and intimate, while Paripueira is closer and famous for its natural pools. Most visitors do these as guided or private tours rather than driving solo, which lets you skip the navigation headache.

If you want to maximize beach time and actually understand what you're looking at (reefs, local spots, how to time the tide pools), a private tour or transfer with a knowledgeable guide makes a real difference. Solo travelers often end up booking private options here anyway because the beaches are spread out and public transport isn't frequent.

Popular spots like Maragogi can book up during peak season (December-February and July-August), so a few days ahead is smart if you're traveling then. Outside those months you have more flexibility, but check before you go as availability shifts.

You'll find sunset boat options offered locally - these tend to be booked last-minute or through your accommodation. Check what's running when you arrive, as scheduling varies seasonally.

If you're leaving from Recife instead of Maceió, many tours and accommodations in São Miguel dos Milagres or Maragogi arrange direct transfers to Recife airport (REC), which is about 2 hours away. This saves you backtracking to Maceió city. Confirm pickup time and location before you book.