Located on the north coast of Bahia, the Municipality of Mata de São João is a true tropical paradise in the region known as the Costa dos Coqueiros – famous for its exuberant beaches, nature reserves and cosy villages.

Part of the Metropolitan Region of Salvador, the municipality is strategically located between two outstanding tourist destinations: Praia do Forte to the south and Costa do Sauípe to the north.

Along its 28 kilometres of coastline, Mata de São João has some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil:

• Praia do Forte – National headquarters of the Tamar Project and a meeting point of history, ecotourism and charm.
• Imbassaí – Ideal for those seeking tranquillity between the river and the sea.
• Diogo and Santo Antônio – Rustic villages, perfect for those who want to get away from it all.
• Costa do Sauípe – A tourist complex of all-inclusive resorts, popular with families and couples.

In addition to Mata de São João, the Costa dos Coqueiros includes other important municipalities such as

• Camaçari – home to the charming hippie village of Arembepe.
• Lauro de Freitas, Entre Rios, Jandaíra and Conde – With unspoilt beaches and traditional communities.

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Mata de São João na Bahia

PRAIA DO FORTE EM MATA DE SÃO JOÃO NA BAHIA11:18

IMBASSAÍ NA MATA de SÃO JOÃO BA25:49

Vôo sobre as Praias da Mata de São João03:58

Things to see in Mata de São João, Bahia

1. Tamar Project – Praia do Forte
2. Praia do Forte
3. Garcia D’Ávila Foundation (Praia do Forte)
4. Sapiranga Reserve (Praia do Forte)
5. Alameda do Sol (Praia do Forte village)
6. Natural pools
7. Vila de Santo Antônio
8. Imbassaí
9. Humpback Whale
10. Sauípe Park

1. Tamar Project – Praia do Forte

Projeto Tamar – Praia do Forte is the national headquarters of one of Brazil’s most important marine conservation programmes. Founded in 1980, its mission is to protect endangered sea turtles through research, environmental education and community involvement.

Located in the charming Vila dos Pescadores, next to the Garcia D’Ávila lighthouse, the visitor centre offers an educational and exciting experience for all ages, with tanks, aquariums and replicas of protected species. As well as being an essential tourist attraction in Praia do Forte, the Tamar is a successful example of combining environmental protection with sustainable tourism.

2. Praia do Forte

Praia do Forte, located in the municipality of Mata de São João, about 80 kilometres from Salvador, is one of the most charming tourist destinations on the North Coast of Bahia. Known as the Brazilian Polynesia, the town combines the rustic charm of an old fishing village with an excellent tourist infrastructure, bringing together cozy inns, luxurious resorts, craft shops, bars and restaurants serving local and international cuisine.

As well as beautiful beaches with calm, crystal clear waters, the region is home to important environmental projects such as the Tamar Project, which protects sea turtles, and the Baleia Jubarte Institute, which specialises in whale watching between July and October. Praia do Forte is ideal for those looking for exuberant nature, history, culture, adventure and sustainability all in one place.

3. Garcia D’Ávila Castle – Praia do Forte

The Garcia D’Ávila Castle, also known as the Casa da Torre, is one of Brazil’s most important historic buildings, located on the charming Praia do Forte in Mata de São João, Bahia. Built between 1551 and 1624, the castle served as a strategic fortification during the Portuguese colonial period and later became the seat of one of the largest estates in the country’s history, with lands stretching from Bahia to Maranhão.

It is considered the first great Portuguese civil building in Brazil and the only building with medieval characteristics in the Americas. Because of its importance, it has been declared a National Historical Heritage Site. Its well-preserved ruins offer a real journey into the past, with stunning views of the sea and the Atlantic rainforest.

The site also houses an interactive museum, which uses technology and visual aids to tell the story of the Garcia D’Ávila family and their influence on the formation of colonial Brazil. A visit to the castle is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the country’s history in an environment surrounded by nature and architectural beauty.

Ideal for lovers of history, culture and nature, the Castle of Garcia d’Ávila is a must when visiting Praia do Forte.

4. Sapiranga Reserve – Nature and Adventure in Praia do Forte

The Sapiranga Reserve, located about 2 kilometres from Praia do Forte in Mata de São João, is an ecological paradise with more than 600 hectares of preserved Atlantic Forest. The site is home to several species of fauna and flora, such as sloths, anteaters, brazilwood and ipês trees.

Crossed by rivers such as the Sapiranga, the Terebu and the Pojuca, the reserve offers activities such as ecological trails, quad bike rides, zip lining and canoeing. It is the ideal destination for those seeking ecotourism, adventure and contact with nature..

Easily accessible from Praia do Forte, it’s a great option for exploring the region’s natural beauty.

5. Alameda do Sol (Praia do Forte Village)

Alameda do Sol is the main street of the village of Praia do Forte in Mata de São João, Bahia. It is a charming pedestrian promenade surrounded by shops, restaurants, bars, cafés and local craft shops.

It combines leisure, culture and shopping in a cosy, tree-lined environment. The street also hosts cultural events and is a meeting place for locals and tourists who want to experience the best of Bahian gastronomy, commerce and local hospitality.

6. Natural pools

Mata de São João, on the north coast of Bahia, enchants with its beautiful natural pools, ideal for those seeking tranquillity and contact with marine life. Formed at low tide, they reveal crystal clear waters perfect for snorkelling.

At Praia do Forte, the most famous pools are Papa Gente and Praia do Lord. Papa Gente has deep waters rich in marine life, while Praia do Lord is shallower and ideal for families. At Praia de Santo Antônio, the pools formed by reefs offer a paradise setting.

To make the most of them, visit at low tide.

7. Vila de Santo Antônio

Vila de Santo Antônio, in Mata de São João, is a rustic and cosy destination between Imbassaí and Costa do Sauípe, on the north coast of Bahia.

With its sandy streets and simple houses, it preserves a traditional way of life, with residents making a living from fishing and handicrafts.

The local cuisine, based on seafood, especially lobster, is one of the attractions. The village offers tranquillity, unspoilt nature and an authentic atmosphere, ideal for those looking for a break from the big tourist centres.

8. Humpback whale watching at Praia do Forte

From July to October, Praia do Forte becomes the stage for a unique natural spectacle: the humpback whale migration.

It’s possible to embark on an exciting schooner, speedboat or catamaran trip of around 25 nautical miles, always accompanied by a specialist biologist.

Before boarding, visitors attend an educational talk on whale behaviour and observation rules, given in Portuguese and English. The tour combines environmental education with nature watching.

It is recommended that you bring a snack, water, light clothing, sunscreen, cap or hat and of course any waste you produce. Local tourist agencies and the Humpback Whale Institute offer various options for the experience, known as a baleiada.

9. Imbassaí.

Imbassaí, which means “way of the river” in Tupi, is a natural paradise where the waters of the Imbassaí River meet the sea, creating a scene of rare beauty. With around 6 kilometres of wild beaches, the river runs parallel to the sea, separated by dunes and a beautiful coconut grove, until they meet in a perfect bathing spot..

It’s ideal for enjoying the sunset, kayaking, rafting or just relaxing in the warm waters. Some parts of the sea offer good waves for surfing and other water sports. By the river, beach huts serve seafood such as crab, pititinga and fried fish, accompanied by cold beer and drinks.

10. Sauípe Park

The Parque do Sauípe, also known as the Eco Parque Sauípe, is located in the Mata de São João, near the Costa do Sauípe tourist complex, on the north coast of Bahia. With some 66 hectares of protected area, the park offers an immersion in ecosystems such as restinga, mangroves and the Atlantic Rainforest.

Activities on offer include ecological trails, kayaking in lagoons and mangroves, bike rides along nature trails and adventures such as tree climbing and zip lining, providing direct contact with nature in a safe and educational environment.

Tourist guide to the community of Mata de São João in Bahia

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