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Aerial view of Segunda Praia in Morro de São Paulo, Bahia

Morro de São Paulo guide

What to know before you set foot on the sand, told by people who live on the island.

See the route of each tour

Tap a transfer or tour and follow the route.

© OpenStreetMap

Land and Boat Transfer

3h30 to 4h30, by land and sea

fromR$ 165per person + TUPA of R$ 70 per person

  1. Van to the terminalPickup at the airport or your hotel in Salvador.
  2. Ferry to ItaparicaAbout 1 hour across Todos-os-Santos Bay.
  3. Van to ValençaAbout 2 hours, over the Funil Bridge.
  4. Speedboat to MorroAbout 15 minutes.

The five beaches of Morro

Each one has its own style. Pick yours by what you want from the trip.

  1. Waves and buzz

    Primeira Praia

    The liveliest, right below the Lighthouse. Stronger sea, for those who like waves and open-sea views.

  2. Nightlife

    Segunda Praia

    The heart of the nightlife, with bars and restaurants. At low tide, natural pools form.

  3. Family

    Terceira Praia

    Quieter and family-friendly, with calm water and the marina where almost every boat tour leaves, including the Island Tour.

  4. Peace and quiet

    Quarta Praia

    A long strip of sand with palm trees and guesthouses. Great for walking and for days with fewer people.

  5. Wild

    Quinta Praia (do Encanto)

    The most isolated and wild, with open sea and preserved scenery. For those who want true peace.

Practical tips

  • No cars on the island

    Everything is on foot, by cart or by tractor. Pack light: the streets are sand and stone.

  • Bring Pix and cash

    Many small shops prefer Pix or cash. Cards don't always work at beach stalls.

  • Best season

    September to March is usually drier. April to July is rainier, but prices drop and the island gets calm.

  • TUPA fee

    Preservation fee of R$ 70 per person, charged on arrival. You can pay in advance on the TUPA CAIRU app.

  • Backpack essentials

    Sunscreen, repellent, spare swimwear, comfortable sandals and a water bottle.

  • Spotty internet

    Signal drops in some spots. Download offline maps and agree times in advance on WhatsApp.

A bit of history

Morro de São Paulo is on Tinharé Island, in the municipality of Cairu, on the southern coast of Bahia. Settlement dates back to colonial times, when fortifications were built to protect the entrance to the bay. The ruins of the old fort can still be visited at the top of the village.

The Lighthouse, built in the 19th century, is still working and is one of the most popular spots for the sunset. With no cars, the island keeps a slower pace, with sandy streets and carts and tractors carrying people and cargo.

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