The driest months are November through March, with September to March offering consistent sunshine and warm water. December through February sees peak crowds and higher prices. If you prefer fewer tourists and lower rates, May through August is quieter but cooler and occasionally rainy.

Most activities here can be booked a few days ahead without trouble. The more popular outings - especially buggy rides at sunset and multi-day Pipa tours - fill up faster during holidays and weekends, so booking a week or two early gives you better options.

Yes. Guides take you to spots regular taxis won't find - remote stretches south of the city, forest sections with viewpoints, wildlife hotspots. They also handle the dune driving itself, which requires a skilled hand. A guided 4WD or buggy tour beats renting a car here.

Absolutely. It's about an hour south and has a different character - smaller, beach-town vibes, excellent seafood restaurants, and it's the jumping-off point for quad and 4WD adventures down the south coast. Most people spend at least a night there.

Private transfers are the standard move - they pick you up from your hotel and drop you at the airport, no hassle with rental car drop-off or bus schedules. Recife is roughly 2.5 hours by road; check before you go for current drive times.

City tours typically cover colonial architecture, historic sites, and neighborhoods with local context that a map can't give you. Specifics vary by operator - check what's covered (meals, museum entries, etc.) when you book.

4WD and buggy rides work for families with kids old enough to handle bumpy terrain - check age or height restrictions before booking. Walking tours suit all ages. Quad bikes have weight and age minimums, so verify those details with the operator.