Pontão de Santa Maria is the town’s old pier, now partially damaged and under reconstruction. Even so, it remains one of the liveliest spots: daily fishing, local trade, turtles in the water, and an unfiltered look at real island routine.
The place where something is always happening, even when the main feature is missing
In Santa Maria there’s a spot where, even if you glance twice, you know you’ve arrived. It smells of fish, a bell rings in the background, and people look at the sea with practical focus, not poetic contemplation. The problem is that right now, the pier is not fully there. Or rather: it’s only half there. And yet, Pontão de Santa Maria remains one of the liveliest places in town.
Because here, even without a complete pier, routine hasn’t gone anywhere.
A broken pier that still works
The Pontão has long been the everyday heart of Santa Maria: fishermen coming and going, fresh fish straight onto the sand, tourists wandering curiously, locals chatting, and teenagers jumping into the water with a mix of bravery and habit.
A hurricane damaged part of the structure some time ago, and since then the pier has been under reconstruction, shortened, or simply inaccessible in sections. It’s not a fully “operational” attraction. It’s a place in transition.
It works for people who want to see real life. It doesn’t work for anyone expecting a neat, safe seaside promenade from end to end.
Fish, knives and curious onlookers
When the bell rings, the fish have arrived. Literally. Boats pull in, catches are unloaded, and the ritual begins: cleaning, scaling, filleting. All in plain sight, with no glass counters or filters.
Coastal fish are sold here, sometimes tuna, sometimes unexpected surprises. There are also stalls selling handmade souvenirs, bracelets, stone and shell carvings, cold coconuts, and the occasional price that invites discussion. Here, you negotiate politely… or you say no and keep walking.
From above — where access is still possible — or from the sides, it’s not unusual to spot turtles and rays moving near the collapsed pillars. Underwater, the broken structure has created more marine life than it ever had before.
Work, curiosity and a touch of chaos
This isn’t an orderly place. There’s noise, strong smells, persistent tour promoters, and others simply doing their jobs. Mornings feel more authentic; afternoons more social; sunsets more photogenic.
The atmosphere is lively, sometimes too much if you’re after peace and quiet. And yes, you need to watch your step: uneven surfaces, damaged sections and teenagers with more energy than supervision.
It’s not dangerous out of malice. It’s chaotic because there’s too much life.
When you expect a “normal” pier
If you arrive expecting the pier from old photos, you may be disappointed. Some areas are closed, others simply gone, and there’s a clear sense of never-ending works.
Some people also struggle with the fish smell, the commercial insistence or the general disorder. In that case, it’s better to observe from a distance… or skip it altogether.
How to enjoy it without surprises
– Go early in the morning if you want to see real fishing activity.
– Wear solid footwear: not everything is stable.
– Say “no” politely but firmly to offers you’re not interested in.
– Don’t bring “tourist attraction” expectations. Bring curiosity.
– If you buy fish, they usually clean and cut it on the spot.
An incomplete place, but an essential one
The Pontão de Santa Maria isn’t what it used to be. And yet, it’s still exactly what it needs to be: a place where the town shows itself without decoration.
You might not walk to the end of the pier. But you’ll see something better: how Santa Maria works when nobody is posing.
Here, the pier is secondary. What always mattered was what happened around it.
