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.

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.

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.

How to book
- Send the origin, destination, date, time, number of passengers and luggage by WhatsApp.
- Receive aircraft options with flight time and price.
- 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