The Tinharé Archipelago, also known as the Cairu Archipelago, has 26 islands and is home to some of the most desirable destinations for tourists, such as the beaches of Morro de São Paulo, Boipeba, Garapuá and Moreré.
These islands are ideal for those in search of sun and beach, located just 173 km from Salvador by land and 60 km by boat.
Cairu was one of the first towns in colonial Brazil and is of great historical importance.
As the archipelago is entirely within the boundaries of this municipality, it is also named after it. This reinforces the region’s identity and the connection between the islands and the municipal seat.
The islands have a special program during holidays and weekends, especially during the high season.
As summer approaches, the archipelago, which belongs to the municipality of Cairu, is preparing to receive tourists from Bahia, various parts of Brazil and abroad. The municipality has more than 400 km² of natural beauty.
The archipelago has 26 islands and is home to some of the most popular beaches in the Lower South: Morro de São Paulo, Boipeba, Garapuá and Moreré are destinations frequented by tourists and locals alike, whether for short or long stays.
Access map to Morro de São Paulo
See the map of the Dendê Coast
Video about the Tinharé Archipelago in Bahia
Arquipélago de Tinharé - Morro de São Paulo, Boipeba, Gamboa e outras ilhas01:42
Arquipélago de Cairu - Pontos Turísticos 02:15
See the complete tourist guide to the Cairu Archipelago, also known as the Tinharé Archipelago!
Tinharé Archipelago in Bahia
1. Main tourist attractions
- Morro de São Paulo: famous for its paradisiacal beaches, lively nightlife and breathtaking scenery.
- Cueira Beach (Boipeba): known for its crystal-clear waters and tranquillity.
- Moreré Natural Pools: ideal for diving and contemplating marine life.
- Garapuá Beach: a fishing village with calm beaches and coconut trees.
- Morro de São Paulo Fortress: one of the archipelago’s main historical monuments.
- Church and Convent of Santo Antônio de Cairu: historical heritage dating back to the 17th century.
- Morro de São Paulo Lighthouse: offers a spectacular panoramic view.
- Ponta dos Castelhanos: one of the best spots for diving and boat trips.
The Tinharé Archipelago is also one of the only archipelago municipalities in Brazil, with Cairu as its administrative headquarters.
2. Geography and Access
Morro de São Paulo is situated at the northern end of the island of Tinharé, which, together with Boipeba, Cairu and 23 other small islands, makes up the archipelago. Located about 60 km south of Salvador, it is close to the city of Valença.
The islands are separated from each other and from the mainland by large mangrove channels, which makes access difficult. Many places remain uninhabited and are rarely visited, as navigation depends on the tides and access by land is almost impractical.
The east coast of the archipelago, where the beaches are, is the most accessible region. The waters are deeper, but most of the beaches are protected by reefs, allowing access only at specific points.
The channel to the north of the island of Tinharé is also deep, although it has sandbanks. It is through this channel that you can reach Ponta do Curral and the town of Valença, both on the mainland.
The other channels, on the other hand, are shallow and treacherous and can only be navigated by those who know the region well and at the right tides.
The archipelago covers around 451 km², with Tinharé being the largest island, occupying 54% of the total area. Boipeba and Cairu have a similar area, around 20% each, while the other 23 islands account for less than 7% of the total area.
The highest elevations are located to the north of the island of Tinharé, where there is a lighthouse, and to the northwest, in the town of Galeão.
The rest of the island is practically flat, just a few meters above sea level. The islands of Boipeba and Cairu, on the other hand, have more undulating terrain, but their elevations do not exceed 80 meters.
There are almost no roads, just paths traveled on foot, on horseback or, in some cases, by tractor. Goods are mostly transported by wooden boats, known as sloops.
The villages are located along the sea and the navigable canals. On the island of Tinharé, the following stand out: Morro de São Paulo, Gamboa, Galeão, Zimbo, Garapuá and Canavieira.
On the island of Boipeba, the main towns are: Velha Boipeba, Moreré, Monte Alegre and São Sebastião (Cova da Onça). On the other hand, in Cairu, in addition to the municipal seat, there is the village of Torrinhas.
The archipelago is home to a total of 11,410 inhabitants, distributed relatively evenly between the three main inhabited islands. The local economy depends mainly on activities linked to the sea, such as fishing and, more recently, tourism.
The population is a mixture of blacks and Europeans, mainly Portuguese, Dutch and indigenous. The people are known for being quiet, humble and welcoming to visitors.
4. Ecosystem and Environmental Preservation
Most of the islands were originally covered by Atlantic Rainforest, but today coconut groves predominate. Still, there are considerable areas of virgin forest, as well as extensive regions of restinga. However, the most important ecosystem in the archipelago is the mangrove swamp, which acts as a nursery for marine life and provides sustenance for the population.
Since 1992, the islands of Tinharé and Boipeba have been part of an Environmental Protection Area (APA). However, there are still challenges, such as waste disposal, although significant progress has been made, such as improvements in sewage treatment.
Several NGOs work in the archipelago, seeking to implement sustainable economic alternatives for the local population. The future of the region depends on collaboration between residents, businesspeople, public authorities and tourists to ensure a balance between development and environmental preservation.
Tourist Guide to the Tinharé Archipelago in Bahia
