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Cumuruxatiba is a district of the municipality of Prado in the state of Bahia in Brazil.
Cumuruxatiba is a small fishing village located on the Costa das Baleias in the south of Bahia. Its name is difficult to pronounce and access is even more complicated, which keeps it a well-kept secret for those who have visited.

The village has paradisiacal beaches that look like they’re straight out of a tourist brochure, and a ‘clock of its own’ that makes the hours pass slowly, allowing you to enjoy everything without rushing.
Recently, Cumuruxatiba has been discovered by tourists, both Brazilian and foreign, attracted by its quiet life, warm waters and long beaches.
Praia do Píer and Praia do Rio do Peixe stand out, offering attractions such as a freshwater dam, cliffs, monazite sands and a wooden pier that stretches for a kilometre into the sea.
The typical hustle and bustle of the Bahian coast takes a back seat as you move away from Porto Seguro, where the nearest airport is located.
A viagem até Cumuruxatiba é de quase 240 quilômetros, sendo os últimos 30 quilômetros em estrada de terra. Apesar do acesso difícil, a recompensa são praias tranquilas, sem ambulantes ou som alto de carros, o que é, inclusive, proibido na região. Em vez disso, você encontrará espaço de sobra na areia, mesmo na alta temporada, que vai do fim de dezembro ao Carnaval.
If you’re travelling during this period, it’s advisable to book in advance. There are no resorts there, but the inns tend to fill up and the locals often rent out parts of their houses to visitors – many of whom come from Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo.
Cumuru (as it is known to locals) is part of the Costa das Baleias (Whale Coast), which is visited by humpback whales between July and August.
Its proximity to the Discovery Coast, which includes Porto Seguro and Arraial D’Ajuda, guarantees Cumuruxatiba a special place in Brazilian history.
Barra do Caí, just 18 kilometres from the centre of Cumuru, was the place where the Portuguese landed in 1500.
Monte Pascoal, which is also nearby, is the name of a national park created in 1961. This conservation area covers 22,500 hectares, including stretches of Atlantic forest and an indigenous reserve.
It was the Pataxós who baptised the region. In the native language, the word Cumuruxatiba describes the difference between the high and low tides throughout the day.
This movement of the tides reveals unique attractions, such as the reef bed on the central beach and the wide strip of sand between Peixe Pequeno and Peixe Grande beaches.
See the map of the Costa das Baleias
Videos about Cumuruxatiba in Bahia
Cumuruxatiba - Roteiro de 2 dias
O que fazer, como chegar em Cumuruxatiba
Guia de Cumuruxatiba
Praias de Cumuruxatiba
Baleia Jubarte
Praia de Guaratiba, Cumuruxatiba, Barra do Cahy e Corumbau
See also Prado BA Tourism Guide
Cumuruxatiba is International
Descendants of the Pataxós and fishing families now share the village with Argentinians, Swiss, Italians and Angolans, who have chosen Cumuruxatiba as their home and opened restaurants and inns there.
That’s why it’s possible, for example, to savour Swiss dishes at Hans’ pousada or try muamba, an African recipe reminiscent of a moqueca, at the Mama África restaurant, run by Angolan chef Dolores.
Due to its location, the south of Bahia also receives cultural influences from Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo. The Bahian accent is less pronounced in the region, and the food is not as spicy.
What’s more, you won’t find acarajé stalls or hear axé. However, the locals are extremely welcoming and kindness is commonplace in these parts.
The first contact with Cumuruxatiba’s landscapes can be made by bicycle. Use the bikes available at the hostel where you are staying or hire one in the centre.
For most of the year, the sandy shores will be almost deserted, giving you the opportunity to be a privileged spectator of the waves lapping the coral reefs or crashing on the golden cliffs.
Despite the calm and the fact that Cumuru has only one cobbled street, as well as simple inns and shops, for some locals the transformation has been significant in recent times.
Tourist Attractions in Cumuruxatiba
1. Boat trips
Boat trips in Cumuruxatiba are one of the most enchanting experiences for visitors to the village, offering the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Costa das Baleias and its surroundings. These sea trips are ideal for those seeking tranquillity, contact with nature and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights of the boat trips in Cumuruxatiba
1.1. Humpback whale watching
- During the months of July to October, the waters of Cumuruxatiba welcome the majestic humpback whales, which migrate to the region to mate and have their young.
- Boat trips offer the unique chance to spot these giants of the sea, often performing impressive leaps and showing off their tails. Local guides guarantee a safe and informative tour, while respecting the rules of environmental preservation.
1.2. Visit to the Reefs and Natural Pools
- At low tide, boats take visitors to explore the coral reefs and natural pools that form in the region.
- Crystal-clear waters reveal an underwater world full of colourful fish and other marine organisms, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling enthusiasts.
1.3. Tours to Monte Pascoal and Barra do Caí
- Many tours include a visit to Monte Pascoal, a landmark in the history of the discovery of Brazil.
- Barra do Caí, where the Portuguese landed in 1500, is also frequently included on tours, combining natural beauty and historical significance.
1.4. Exploring Isolated Beaches
- Boats give you access to deserted and more remote beaches, such as Praia do Moreira and Praia do Imbassuaba, known for their wild beauty and absolute tranquillity.
- These trips are ideal for those who want to relax in unspoilt settings, away from the hustle and bustle of the central beaches.
Boat trips in Cumuruxatiba are more than just tourist activities; they are invitations to immerse yourself in the history and natural wealth of the Costa das Baleias, creating unforgettable memories.
2. Humpback whale watching on the high seas
Outside the most popular period for travellers in search of sea and sun, heavy visitors arrive on the Cumuruxatiba coast.
No wonder the region is known as the Whale Coast: between July and October, humpback whales invade the area and put on unforgettable shows at sea.
At this time, the giants leave the icy waters of the South Pole to mate and give birth to their young.
Before setting off on your excursions, no guide can guarantee that they will be spotted, but believe me: you’ll hardly return home without seeing at least one of these incredible animals.
The cubs are the most curious and often approach the boats. The adults, which can measure up to 16 metres and weigh 40 tonnes, love to show off: they spout water out of their vents, show off their backs and leave the tips of their tails sticking out of the water – a real invitation for photos.
But be careful and be quick so you don’t miss the scene!
The tour lasts around three hours in the open sea. If you’re the type who doesn’t feel very comfortable on boats, it’s best to take precautions. Take a seasickness pill about 40 minutes before boarding – don’t wait until you feel the symptoms, as the medicine won’t work. This way you can enjoy everything with peace of mind and record unforgettable memories.
3. CUMURUXATIBA BEACHES
1. Ponta do Corumbau Beach
About 50 kilometres from Cumuru, the small fishing village is still quiet, even with the arrival of hotels and inns.
Access via a dirt road is difficult, but the scenery is well worth the effort.
The privileged setting, where the Corumbau River meets the sea and forms a long stretch of sand, looks like something out of a film.
The main beach has a wide, white strip of sand that contrasts beautifully with the greenish sea.
2. Tauá Beach
Accessible from Barra do Caí, this fine sandy beach is surrounded by cliffs and coconut trees. It is 23 kilometres from Cumuruxatiba.
3. Barra do Cahy
Considered one of the most beautiful in the region, this deserted beach is adorned with cliffs, coconut palms and a small river that flows into the sea. It is 18 kilometres from the village.
4. Calambrião Beach
With monazite cliffs and sands, Calambrião is accessible on foot from the beach, crossing a private property. It is six kilometres from the village.
5. Imbassuaba Beach
Coconut palms and cliffs surround the beach, which is accessible on foot after a five-kilometre walk.
6. Moreira Beach
The beach is accessed via a farm, three kilometres from Cumuruxatiba. Deserted, it offers coconut trees and clear sand, making it perfect for those seeking tranquillity.
7. Rio do Peixe Beach
Divided into two parts – Peixe Grande and Peixe Pequeno – by the presence of a river.
It’s full of charming inns and is just two kilometres from the village, accessible from both the beach and the road.
8. Cumuruxatiba Beach
The beach that gives its name to the village is full of kiosks and, because it is long, is ideal for walking.
The reefs attract snorkellers and the wooden pier adds to the rustic atmosphere. It is the starting point for schooner trips in the region.
9. Dois Irmãos Beach
With weak waves, it’s perfect for windsurfers and kayakers. It is two kilometres from Cumuruxatiba.
10. Areia Preta Beach
The dark sandy cove is surrounded by cliffs and is two kilometres from the village.
11. Japara Beach
Located nine kilometres from Cumuru, the scenery is made up of cliffs, coconut groves and mangroves. It is very popular for fishing and diving.
How to get to Cumuruxatiba
There are daily flights from São Paulo to Porto Seguro, which is the closest airport to Cumuruxatiba.
From Porto Seguro, the 240-kilometre journey ( 30 kilometres of which are on dirt roads) must be made by car or bus. Some inns in the region offer a shuttle service, making it easier to get to the village.
Local transport options
- There are local bus lines that run between Porto Seguro-Prado and Prado-Cumuruxatiba.
- However, it is essential to check the timetables, as they are restricted.
Bahia.ws is the largest tourist site in Bahia and Salvador.
Tourist Guide to Cumuruxatiba in Bahia