Air taxi in Carneiros and Porto de Galinhas: helicopter hops on the Pernambuco south coast, aircraft and boarding points

On the south coast of Pernambuco, a helicopter links Carneiros Beach, in Tamandaré, to Porto de Galinhas in about 10 to 12 minutes and to Recife Airport in about 25 — trips that take 1 to 2 hours by road (approx.). As neither beach has an airport, longer plane and jet flights leave from Recife (REC) or Maceió (MCZ). Below: hops between the beaches, longer routes from the airports, which aircraft to choose and where to board.

Carneiros Beach from above, with the São Benedito chapel among the coconut palms

Helicopter hops along the south coast

Approximate times, varying with the aircraft, the wind and the take-off point.

Leg Distance (approx.) Helicopter time (approx.)
Carneiros → São José da Coroa Grande about 25 km about 8 min
Carneiros → Porto de Galinhas / Maracaípe about 35 km 10 to 12 min
Carneiros → Muro Alto about 45 km about 15 min
Carneiros → Recife Airport about 70 km about 25 min
Carneiros → Maceió about 130 km 35 to 45 min

By road, Carneiros–Porto de Galinhas takes about an hour, longer in high season.

Longer trips: plane and jet from Recife or Maceió

From To Aircraft Time (approx.)
Recife Maceió King Air C90 / Citation CJ1 about 30 min
Recife João Pessoa King Air C90 about 25 min
Recife Fernando de Noronha Citation CJ1 / King Air C90 about 1 h 05 by jet; 1 h 20 by King Air

Fernando de Noronha charges an Environmental Preservation Fee (TPA) for each day of your stay; it is worth paying it before you fly.

A helicopter over the reefs and natural pools of the Pernambuco south coast

Which aircraft to choose

Aircraft Passengers Best for
Robinson R44 up to 3 short hops between beaches and resorts
Bell 505 up to 4 Recife and Maceió with more cabin space
King Air C90 up to 6 João Pessoa, Natal and Noronha, with luggage
Citation CJ1 up to 5 faster regional legs

Where to board

  • Authorised helipads at resorts and inns in Carneiros, Porto de Galinhas and Muro Alto, confirmed at booking.
  • Recife International Airport (REC), for planes and jets.
  • Maceió Airport (MCZ), if you are continuing along the Alagoas coast.
  • Helicopters only land at authorised points; the exact spot is confirmed at booking.
A beachfront resort with reefs offshore on the Pernambuco south coast

How to book

  1. Send the origin, destination, date, time, number of passengers and luggage by WhatsApp.
  2. Receive aircraft options with flight time and price.
  3. Confirm, give passengers’ weights and be at the boarding point at the agreed time.

Frequently asked questions: air taxi in Carneiros and Porto de Galinhas

Does Carneiros Beach have an airport?

No. Helicopter flights leave from authorised helipads in the area; planes and jets use Recife and Maceió airports.

How long is the helicopter flight from Carneiros to Porto de Galinhas?

About 10 to 12 minutes, versus about an hour by car (approx.).

Can I fly from Carneiros to Fernando de Noronha?

Yes, by combining a helicopter to Recife (about 25 minutes) with a jet to Noronha (about 1 h 05).

Which helicopter takes 4 passengers?

The Bell 505, for up to 4 passengers plus the pilot; the Robinson R44 takes up to 3.

How much does an air taxi in the area cost?

The price depends on the aircraft and the leg and is given in the quote.

What if the weather is bad?

With heavy rain, strong wind or low visibility, the flight is rescheduled.

See also: Air taxi at Carneiros Beach · Air taxi to Porto de Galinhas · Air taxi in Maceió

Request a quote for your flight in Carneiros or Porto de Galinhas: WhatsApp +55 48 98877-0541 · sales@embarqueoficial.com