What to do in Boipeba Island

The island of Boipeba has more than 20 kilometres of semi-deserted beaches, great for swimming.

Ilha de Boipeba na Bahia
Boipeba Island in Bahia

No fancy restaurants, axé, lounge music, lights, shop windows or street vendors disturbing the calm by insistently offering their products.

Boipeba remains tranquil, combining natural beauty with local originality. To complete the flavour, it still has the air of an alternative community.

Mapa da Ilha de Boipeba
Map of Boipeba Island
Mapa da Ilha de Boipeba
Map of Boipeba Island

The mouth of the Inferno River, which separates Boipeba from the island of Tinharé, where Morro de São Paulo is located, seems to announce what lies ahead in a more than relaxed atmosphere.

When you disembark at Boca da Barra, you realise that those looking for peace and quiet will find it there.

Right in front of the boats is the entrance to Velha Boipeba, a 17th-century village where you can only walk and which, for the time being, has not been transformed into an open-air shopping centre, like Praia do Forte on the north coast of Bahia.

Arquipélago de Cairu
Arquipélago de Cairu

The seaside climate is no different. There are around 20 kilometres of semi-deserted beaches. Take, for example, a walk from Tassimirim, with its rock formations and natural pools at low tide, to Moreré.

On the way, take a break to savour a lobster roasted in its own sea water at Guido’s barraca on Cueira beach, which has practically no buildings and coconut trees as far as the eye can see.

By the way, Cueira is one of the best places on the island for swimming. There are surfers, but the sea isn’t rough. The shore is long, with cliffs and rocks in the corners, and a long strip of sand shaded by coconut trees.

The villages of the archipelago, such as Morro de São Paulo, Garapuá, Moreré, Velha Boipeba and Gamboa, are much sought after by foreign tourists and, unfortunately, still little known by Brazilians.

Ilha de Boipeba
Ilha de Boipeba

Boipeba Island, located at the most privileged point of the archipelago, is a true paradise: sunshine all year round, virgin beaches, turquoise sea with crystal clear waters, vast biodiversity, total tranquillity and a hospitable and welcoming population!

Mapa da Costa do Dendê
Map of the Dendê Coast

Videos about Boipeba Island

Tourist attractions on the island of Boipeba

Boipeba Island, located off the coast of Bahia, is a paradisiacal destination known for its semi-deserted beaches, crystal-clear waters and rich biodiversity.

mapa das praias de Boipeba na Bahia
map of the beaches of Boipeba in Bahia

Below is an overview of the island’s main beaches and activities:

  1. Boca da Barra Beach
  2. Outeiro Beach
  3. Pedras Beach
  4. Tassimirim Beach
  5. Cueira Beach
  6. Moreré Beach
  7. Bainema Beach
  8. Ponta dos Castelhanos or Castelhanos Beach
  9. Cova da Onça Beach
  10. Vellha Boipeba
  11. Monte Alegre

1. Boca da Barra Beach

Located near the village of Velha Boipeba, this is the arrival point for many boats.

Praia Boca da Barra na Ilha de Boipeba
Boca da Barra Beach on Boipeba Island
praia Boca da Barra - Boipeba - Bahia
Boca da Barra Beach on Boipeba Island

Depending on the tide, its waters can be darker in colour due to the influence of the Rio do Inferno, which flows into the area. It is an area with an infrastructure of inns and restaurants.

2. Outeiro Beach

Praia do Outeiro na Ilha de Boipeba
Outeiro Beach on Boipeba Island

Continuing from Boca da Barra towards the open sea, it has clearer waters and is less affected by tidal variations. It’s a quiet beach, ideal for relaxing.

3. Praia das Pedras

A small beach characterised by the presence of various rock formations. It’s a picturesque spot, ideal for contemplation and photography.

4. Tassimirim Beach

Praia do Tassimirim em Ilha de Boipeba
Tassimirim Beach on Boipeba Island
praia Tassimirim - Boipeba - Bahia
Tassimirim Beach – Boipeba Island
Praia de Tassimirim na Ilha de Boipeba
Tassimirim Beach on Boipeba Island

Accessible by footpath from Outeiro Beach, it takes about 20 minutes to walk. This beach is protected by coral reefs and offers a paradisiacal setting.

Due to the presence of corals, it is more suitable for contemplation than for swimming.

5. Cueira Beach

Separated from Tassimirim by a coral block, Cueira is known for its gentle waves, making it a favourable spot for swimming and, occasionally, surfing.

Praia da Cueira em Boipeba - Bahia
Cueira Beach on Boipeba Island – Bahia

The beach is long, with coconut trees providing natural shade. A must is Barraca do Guido, famous for its grilled lobster prepared with fresh ingredients.

6. Moreré Beach

Considered one of the most paradisiacal beaches on the island, Moreré enchants with its transparent, shallow waters, white sand and vast coconut groves.

Praia de Moreré na Ilha de Boipeba
Moreré Beach on Boipeba Island

The place has rustic restaurants serving local delicacies such as prawn moqueca with banana and grilled fish.

The region is also home to charming inns, such as the Mangabeira Lodge, which offers comfortable accommodation and is located 200 metres from the beach.

7. Bainema Beach

Situated after Moreré, Bainema is a deserted beach accessible by a path through a coconut grove.

Praia de Bainema na Ilha de Boipeba
Bainema Beach on Boipeba Island

The walk is rewarded by a tranquil setting where you can spot herons at dusk.

8. Ponta dos Castelhanos or Castelhanos Beach

Praia de Castellanos na Ilha de Boipeba
Castellanos Beach on Boipeba Island

Castelhanos Beach stands out from the rest for its more challenging access.

To get there, you can opt for a boat trip, an ATV ride or a hike through the mangroves – the latter is undoubtedly an incredible experience!

The whole journey is worth it, as Castelhanos is considered the most stunning beach in Boipeba.

Praia de Castelhanos na Ilha de Boipeba
Castelhanos Beach on Boipeba Island
Castelhanos Natural Pools

The natural pools are a must on your list of things to do in Boipeba!

To get to the natural pools of Castelhanos you need to take a boat, as they are quite far from the sand. They only form at low tide – so you need to keep an eye on the tide table (hotels usually let you know when low tide will be) to be able to enjoy them.

Piscinas naturais de Castelhanos em Boipeba
Piscinas naturais da Praia de Castelhanos na Ilha de Boipeba

9. Cova da Onça Beach

Praia da Cova da Onça na Ilha de Boipeba
Cova da Onça Beach on Boipeba Island

Located at the southern end of Boipeba, it is a village known for its tranquillity and authenticity.

Tourism is still little explored in the region, preserving the local culture and offering visitors a genuine experience.

mapa da Ilha de Boipeba na Bahia
Boipeba Island

10. Old Boipeba

Velha Boipeba is the main town on the island of Boipeba and the gateway for visitors to this paradise.

Vellha Boipeba
Vellha Boipeba

With its sandy streets, colourful houses and peaceful atmosphere, the village preserves a rustic and authentic charm.

It is home to inns, restaurants and small shops, making it the ideal base from which to explore the island’s beaches and natural beauty.

In addition, the hospitality of the locals and the local cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, make Velha Boipeba a welcoming and unforgettable destination.

11. Monte Alegre

Monte Alegre is a quilombola community in the interior of Boipeba Island, surrounded by forests and hills.

Unlike the coastal villages, it stands out for its preservation of cultural traditions and agriculture, with manioc, corn, banana and pineapple crops.

The local cuisine, especially the free-range chicken, is an attraction. The visit offers an authentic and enriching experience of the region’s history and culture.

Final thoughts

Boipeba Island is a destination that combines paradisiacal beaches, rich biodiversity and a preserved local culture. Whether you want to relax on deserted beaches, savour Bahian cuisine or explore the trails and mangroves, Boipeba offers unforgettable experiences for all tastes.

Mapa da Ilha de Boipeba
Map of Boipeba Island

How to get to Boipeba

  • By ferry and bus: From the São Joaquim Maritime Terminal in Salvador, take the ferry to Bom Despacho on Itaparica Island. From there, take the bus to Valença, where speedboats leave for Boipeba.
  • Via Mar Grande: At the Bahia Nautical Tourist Terminal, in front of the Mercado Modelo, take the ferry to Mar Grande, on the island of Itaparica. When you disembark, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Valença, from where speedboats leave for Boipeba.
  • Via Morro de São Paulo: From the Bahia Nautical Tourist Terminal, catamarans leave for Morro de São Paulo. When you arrive, you have to go to Segunda Praia, where 4×4 vehicles leave to cross the island of Tinharé to a crossing point to Boipeba.
  • By car: From Salvador, take the BR-324 towards Feira de Santana and then the BR-101 southbound to the Valença junction. In Valença, you can leave your car in car parks near the waterway terminal and take a speedboat to Boipeba.
  • By air taxi: There are private flights from Salvador airport to the private airstrip at Fazenda Pontal in Boipeba.

Climate

The Boipeba region has two main seasons:

  • Dry season: From August to March, with less rainfall.
  • Rainy season: From April to July, the period with the highest probability of rainfall.

April, May and June are the rainiest months, and some inns and restaurants tend to close temporarily during this period.

Final considerations

Boipeba Island is a destination that combines paradisiacal beaches, rich biodiversity and an unspoilt local culture. Whether you want to relax on deserted beaches, savour Bahian cuisine or explore the trails and mangroves, Boipeba offers unforgettable experiences for all tastes.

Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Bahia and Salvador

Tourist Guide to Boipeba Island in Bahia

Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Bahia and Salvador

Tourist Guide to Boipeba Island in Bahia

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