This study aimed to evaluate the presence and distribution of litter on four beaches in a conservation unit in northeast Brazil (Santa Isabel Biological Reserve; SIBR), and at the tourist beach of Pirambu (PB). Samplings occurred during low tide in March 2018 and May 2018. We observed that PB contained a higher number of litter items (March = 12.5 ± 1.2 items m⁻¹; May = 6.1 ± 2.1 items m⁻¹) when compared to SIBR beaches with a general average of 1.7 ± 0.8 items·m⁻¹ (March) and 2.1 ± 1.1 items·m⁻¹ (May). Plastics were the most quantified items (~ 80% in PB and ~ 90% in SIBR). SIBR beaches were considered moderately clean. Despite access restriction on the SIBR beaches, the considerable amount of litter found in those beaches (mainly near the villages) calls attention to the importance of waste management improvements in Sergipe cities.