Camamu is located on the banks of the Acaraí River, in the middle of a vast mangrove area.
The town preserves several architectural vestiges from its rich past.
It is the main port of embarkation for exploring the islands and beaches of Camamu Bay.
The third largest bay in Brazil in terms of water volume, after Todos os Santos Bay and Guanabara Bay, Camamu Bay is home to a variety of islands of different sizes, as well as beaches, forests and mangroves that are still well preserved.
With constant winds, deep and calm waters, Camamu Bay offers ideal conditions for sailing, as well as many safe anchoring points.
Video about the city of Camamu and the islands of Camamu Bay
Baía de Camamu e Península de Maraú03:47
Camamu na Bahia - Drone06:59
Pontos turísticos da Baía de Camamu BA10:15
Ilhas da Baía de Camamu - Parte 107:06
Ilhas da Baía de Camamu - Parte 203:27
Ilhas da Baía de Camamu - Parte 307:03
Ilha da Pedra Furada na Baía de Camamu04:56
Ilha do Goió03:14
HISTORY OF CAMAMU
Camamu is one of Brazil’s oldest cities and, like Salvador, was built on two levels.
In the upper town are the old churches and colonial houses; in the lower town are the harbour and shops. The region was originally inhabited by the Macamamus Indians.
The town’s origins date back to 1560, when the Jesuits built the Chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption of Macamamu, giving the village its name.
Chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption in CamamuDuring the colonial period, the village stood out as the largest producer of manioc flour in Brazil and became a target for pirates and invaders.
Between 1624 and 1627, the village suffered several attacks from the Dutch. To protect themselves from further invasions, the population blocked the passage to the harbour with huge rocks, which remain to this day, forcing boats to zigzag through the channel to reach the harbour.
In 1693, the village was elevated to town status and renamed Camamu.
In 1782, by order of the Portuguese Crown, the bandeirante João Gonçalves da Costa opened the first road linking Camamu to the Bahian hinterland. Due to its importance to the province’s economy, it became known as the ‘Road of Nations’.
Camamu was elevated to city status in 1891.
In 1961, part of its territory was dismembered to form the municipality of Ibirapitanga.
Today, the municipality has more than 32,000 inhabitants and covers an area of 885.20 square kilometres.
WALKS AROUND THE ISLANDS OF CAMAMU BAY
A dip in nature! Boat trips around Camamu Bay take visitors to unspoilt islands, surrounded by native forest and small villages that keep the region’s traditional culture alive.
The ecosystem of Camamu Bay remains largely intact, with low pollution and little commercial exploitation. The locals live sustainably, relying on the sea for both food and transport, using handmade canoes carved from tree trunks.
To explore the biodiversity of the bay, the ideal option is to use a speedboat, which allows you to navigate the maze of rivers, canals and islands, especially in the southern part of the region. The scenery conveys a unique sense of peace, with impressive natural beauty.
Camamu Bay is home to one of the largest areas of preserved mangroves in Brazil. Unlike other coastal regions where shrimp farming has devastated these ecosystems, Camamu Bay has remained protected due to its difficult access. Fortunately, a large part of this territory has been transformed into an Environmental Preservation Area, guaranteeing its conservation.
In addition to the islands, Camamu is also the port of embarkation for the beaches of Barra Grande and the Maraú Peninsula, two of the most popular destinations on the Bahian coast.
1. Pedra Furada Island
Small but with great natural beauty, Pedra Furada Island enchants with its crystal-clear waters and an imposing perforated rock, which gives the place its name. It’s a great spot for photography and snorkelling.
2. Ilha Grande
The largest island in the bay, at around 4 km², it is also the most populated, with approximately 1,500 inhabitants. The island has beaches with calm, clean waters, a small harbour and several inns.
At the northern tip of the island, Prainha offers a paradisiacal setting. There are no cars and the streets are paved, ideal for walking.
3. Campinho Island
With calm, transparent waters, Campinho Island is perfect for snorkelling and is rich in marine life.
4. Sapinho Island
Sapinho Island stands out for its preserved mangroves and its gastronomy. Bars and restaurants serve fried fish, crabs, crabs, lobsters and moquecas prepared with palm oil and chilli.
It’s a must for those taking a schooner trip around the bay. Separated by a small arm of the sea is Ilha do Goió, known for its deserted and paradisiacal beaches.
5. Goió Island
Goió Island impresses with its fine white sand and crystal-clear sea. Its natural scenery is breathtaking, making it one of the most beautiful spots in the bay.
6. Other islands in Camamu Bay
In addition to the most visited islands, there is also Ámbar Island (a former quilombo), Flores Island, Contrato Island and Coroa Vermelha Island, which complete the natural spectacle of Camamu Bay.
Tourist guide to the city of Camamu and the islands of Camamu Bay
