Natural pools and deserted beaches make the Maraú Peninsula an unmissable getaway.
The Maraú Peninsula is one of the locations on the Dendê Coast in Bahia, a region situated between the mouth of the Jaguaripe River and Camamu Bay.
However, the mouth of the Jaquaripe River is not exactly a reference point for the Dendê Coast.
The Costa do Dendê stretches from Valença to Maraú, and the mouth of the Jaguaripe is further south in Baía de Todos os Santos.
There are 115 kilometres of coastline covering beaches, bays, mangroves, sandbanks, rivers, waterfalls and natural sanctuaries. This figure may vary depending on the source consulted.
The Maraú Peninsula is located in the south of Bahia, between Morro de São Paulo and Itacaré.
Just by referring to these two neighbouring natural paradises, you can already imagine the richness of the region’s landscapes and ecosystems. In addition, the Peninsula is part of Bahia’s Cocoa Region.
The Maraú Peninsula has more than 40 kilometres of beaches that are practically deserted all year round. Even in summer, when the inns are full, the beaches seem empty, as holidaymakers scatter along the vast coastline covered in coconut trees.
At low tide, dozens of natural pools are formed, full of fish, which emerge between labyrinths of reefs. It’s important to check the tide table every day, as the landscapes can change completely as the moon and tides change.
Taipu de Fora beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil, as it has a kilometre-long natural pool inhabited by fish of all colours. In summer, there are night dives with torches to observe the marine fauna.
In winter, the rains are more frequent, but the excursions continue. The new moon and full moon periods, when the tide is dry, are ideal for snorkelling.
Barra Grande is the largest village on the peninsula and still preserves its caiçara simplicity, despite being home to the region’s main inns, bars and restaurants.
On almost all the beaches, there are inns that offer tours with 4×4 vehicles, speedboats and catamarans. One of the best-known trips is by boat around the peninsula’s islands.
When you arrive at Sapinho Island for lunch, the best option is guaiamum, a freshly caught blue crab.
Another famous trip is to the beautiful Tremembé Waterfall, one of the few in Brazil that flows into the sea.
The boat gets so close to the waterfall that you can touch it before disembarking.
The peninsula belongs to the APA (Environmental Protection Area) Maraú, a sustainable use conservation unit of the Mata Atlântica Biosphere Reserve in the south of Bahia, and has several nature conservation laws.
The town that gives the region its name is located in the south of the peninsula, away from the beaches.
Founded in 1705 by Italian friars who settled in the indigenous village of Mayra-hú, the town preserves its church, colonial houses and the ruins of a 19th century paraffin plant. Portuguese missionaries also influenced the occupation of the region.
To the south of Barra Grande, in the heart of the Maraú Peninsula, lies the Taipus region, an indigenous term for the rounded hills that characterise the area.
Videos and reports about the Maraú Peninsula
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Península de Maraú - Guia de Turístico10:37
Tourist attractions on the Maraú Peninsula
1. Taipus de Fora
Taipus de Fora is over 7 kilometres long, with giant coconut palms, coral reefs and clear sand. It is the most popular beach on the peninsula and was voted the sixth most beautiful beach in Brazil by Viagem e Turismo magazine and Quatro Rodas guide.
In recent years, the beach’s infrastructure has grown to include inns, holiday homes, bars-restaurants and other services.
Natural pools
The great attraction of the place are the immense natural pools that form at low tide between the coral reefs. With crystal-clear waters full of fish, they are ideal for snorkelling and underwater observation.
To make the most of the natural pools, it is recommended to visit during the full and new moons, when the tide dries out more and exposes the corals.
2. Around
Taipus de Fora beach is a great starting point for exploring the Maraú Peninsula. There is regular transport to the village of Barra Grande, located 7 kilometres to the north.
Further west, the villages of Taipus de Dentro and Campinho serve as alternative access points to Camamu Bay.
To the south of Taipus, there are deserted beaches and extensive coconut groves stretching for kilometres. Among the must-see places in the region are the Blue Lagoon, the Giant Bromeliad Forest and the Cassange Lagoon.
3. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is located at the southern end of Taipus de Fora beach. Its fresh waters are rich in lanolin, making it ideal for a relaxing swim after a day at the beach.
The lagoon is located at the foot of Morro do Farol, the highest point on the Maraú Peninsula. On clear days, you can see the entire length of the coastline, from Ponta do Mutá to Itacaré.
The Blue Lagoon and Morro do Farol can be easily reached on foot from Taipus de Fora beach.
4. Cassange Lagoon
Located between the sea and the Atlantic Forest, the Cassange Lagoon is one of the most peaceful places on the Maraú Peninsula. Its fresh, calm waters are ideal for relaxing swims, stand-up paddle and kayaking. It also offers a privileged view of the sunset.
The lagoon is separated from the ocean by a narrow strip of sand, providing an incredible contrast between the fresh waters and the sea. It’s an excellent place for those seeking tranquillity and contact with nature, away from the busiest areas.
5. Ponta do Mutá
Ponta do Mutá is one of the best places to watch the sunset on the Maraú Peninsula.
With its calm, crystal-clear waters, it is a popular destination for stand-up paddling and snorkelling. There are also several bars and restaurants on the seafront, perfect for enjoying the evening.
6. Tremembé Waterfall
One of the region’s most impressive attractions, the Tremembé Waterfall flows directly into the sea, something rare in Brazil. The trip there is by boat across Camamu Bay, offering a unique experience in the middle of the Atlantic Rainforest.
7. Giant Bromeliad Trail
The Giant Bromeliad Trail is one of the most fascinating experiences for nature lovers on the Maraú Peninsula in Bahia. The trail takes visitors to the Giant Bromeliad Forest, an area of preserved Atlantic Rainforest where bromeliads of impressive size grow, some over a metre high.
How is the trail?
The trail can be travelled by quad bike, 4×4 or even on foot, depending on the starting point. The route crosses areas of dense vegetation and takes adventurers to an environment of rare natural beauty.
The presence of huge bromeliads makes the landscape unique, providing a visual spectacle and an immersion in the local biodiversity.
What can you expect?
- Direct contact with nature in a setting of untouched Atlantic Rainforest.
- Information about the local flora, provided by the guides, who explain the importance of bromeliads for the ecosystem.
- Stops at other tourist attractions, such as Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Cassange, which are usually part of the route.
- Stretches of sand and dense vegetation make the experience even more adventurous.
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