How to Get from Barreirinhas to Atins [2026]
Quick summary: ~38km on the Rio Preguiças, about 1h by boat (50min–1h20), R$70-150/person.* Fixed departures: 12:30pm year-round and 4pm in high season — and on Saturdays one of the companies doesn't run (the other does).
The recommended way to reach Atins is by boat, along the Rio Preguiças — one of the most beautiful crossings in the region. There's also an overland 4×4 route through the park (some operators already run it), but we strongly recommend the boat.
- Distance
- ~38km by river
- Duration
- ~1h
- Shared boat
- R$70-150*
*Prices can vary depending on season and how far in advance you book.
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Barreirinhas → Atins
From boarding to your guesthouse
See what to arrange at each stage.
Reach the boarding point
Confirm the meeting point and how to get there.
Travel along the Rio Preguiças
Choose between a shared and a private boat.
Get off the boat in Atins
Arriving by river is one part of the journey.
Continue to your guesthouse
Confirm how this part of the trip works and whether it is included.
Onward travel to arrange
For the river journey
For either option, confirm what is included.
Schematic illustration · not to scale
The Rio Preguiças Crossing
Shared Boat
Fiberglass speedboat with an outboard motor, ~6-13 people.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | ~1h (50min–1h20) |
| Price | R$70-150/person* |
| Schedules | Fixed: 12:30pm (year-round) and 4pm (high season) — see below |
The route: mangroves, the river widening, dunes in the distance, the meeting with the sea.
Private Boat
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | From ~R$600 (up to ~R$1,470 for ~10 people)* |
| Capacity | Up to ~10 people |
*Prices can vary depending on season and how far in advance you book.
Schedules
Departure times are fixed — they do not depend on the tide. What changes is the season:
| Direction | High season (~Jun–Sep) | Low season (~Oct–May) |
|---|---|---|
| Barreirinhas → Atins | 12:30pm and 4pm (direct line) | 12:30pm |
| Atins → Barreirinhas | 7am and 2pm | 7am and 2pm |
Scenic tour boat · high season (~Jun–Sep)scenic tour boat ~9am, with stops (5–6h)
Private boats leave at any time of day. Saturdays and public holidays are the exception — send us your date and we'll tell you who's sailing.
Tip: To connect with the van to São Luís, take the 7am boat from Atins — the full calculation, flight included, is in the São Luís → Atins guide.
The Saturday Warning
One of the shared-boat companies does NOT run on Saturdays.
If your trip falls on a Saturday:
- The other company usually sails as normal — but seats fill up
- Private boat: leaves at any time
Overland Alternative: 4×4 Through the Park
There's an overland 4×4 route through the park that some operators run, plus the jardineira (a 4×4 truck, ~R$40, departs early in the morning (confirm the day before), ~2h ride) — the cheapest option. Fair warning, though: in high season the sand road gets seriously bumpy from the constant tour traffic. The boat is faster, more comfortable, and the scenery is incomparable — we strongly recommend the boat.
What to Bring
- Hat/cap (intense sun)
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Protect your luggage from the spray
Arriving in Atins
The boat docks at the Atins port, on the riverbank. From there:
- On foot: Most guesthouses are a 5-15 min walk away (sand streets)
- Quad-taxi (quad bike): ~R$10-20 — in Atins there are only quad-taxis
- No pavement: All of Atins is sand — wear flip-flops
Arrived? See what to do in Atins — the village sheet, with the places and today's conditions.
Why It Seems Simple But Isn't
The crossing itself is smooth. The problem is coordination:
- Companies change their WhatsApp numbers
- In low season only the 12:30pm boat runs
- Saturdays = one of the companies doesn't run
- Some include a taxi to your guesthouse, others don't
A poorly coordinated booking = an unplanned night in Barreirinhas. We keep contacts verified by people who live in Atins — talk to us.
Summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~38km by river |
| Time | ~1h (50min–1h20) |
| Price | R$70-150/person* |
| Saturdays | One of the companies doesn't run |
| Schedules | 12:30pm (year-round) and 4pm (high season); returns 7am and 2pm |
| Best option | Shared boat |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get from Barreirinhas to Atins?
By boat along the Rio Preguiças (~38km, about 1h, R$70-150/person) — the recommended way. There's also an overland 4×4 route through the park.
How long does the boat from Barreirinhas to Atins take?
About 1h (50min–1h20). Departures don't depend on the tide — the times are fixed.
Does the boat to Atins run on Saturdays?
One of the companies doesn't run on Saturdays; the other does. If your trip falls on a Saturday, confirm in advance or negotiate a private boat. Not sure? Talk to us — we know who runs on which day.
How much does the boat from Barreirinhas to Atins cost?
Shared, ~R$70-150/person; private from ~R$600 (up to ~R$1,470 for ~10 people).
Read Also
- São Luís → Atins — The whole journey, flight included
- São Luís → Barreirinhas — The road leg
- Atins: Complete Guide — Everything about the village
- Lençóis Maranhenses — The national park
- When to Visit Lençóis — Month by month
- What to Pack — Essential checklist
Last updated: September 2026
Stuck on this leg? We'll confirm the right operator for you — with contacts verified by day of the week.
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