Boipeba: The Bahian island that stole my heart

Alana Imaizumi
há 6 dias
4 min de leitura

I've visited many places around the world and I'm a huge enthusiast of Brazil, but I have to confess: Bahia is my great passion. It has the perfect combination of a beautiful place, lovely weather, and wonderful people. Boipeba couldn't be any different, and I dare say it's one of the most surprising places I've ever visited in this state.

The island of Boipeba is located approximately 130km from Salvador, the capital of Bahia. It's considered an ecological sanctuary, boasting rich biodiversity that includes preserved mangroves, Atlantic Forest, and a coastline dotted with breathtaking beaches. What's more, it's almost a refuge for those who prefer more tranquil getaways, especially when compared to its lively neighbor Morro de São Paulo.

How to get there?

Getting to Boipeba requires a bit more planning, which contributes to its more exclusive and less crowded atmosphere. The journey normally starts in Salvador, the capital of Bahia. There are a few options to get there, and I'll help you with some ideas.

1 - Ferry Boat/Speedboat + Bus/Van + Speedboat:

Salvador to Itaparica: Take a ferry boat or speedboat from Salvador to Bom Despacho or Mar Grande, on Itaparica Island.
Itaparica to Valença: Continue by bus or van from Itaparica to Valença (it is a 2-hour trip).
Valença to Boipeba: Board a speedboat in Valença bound for Boipeba Island, which takes approximately 1 hour.

It is a long trip, but the cheapest: it should cost $20 dollars for the two ferries and the bus.

Semi-Terrestrial Transfer:
- There are companies that offer semi-terrestrial transfers, combining different types of transport to optimize travel time and comfort. It can include car, bus, and speedboat, or just car and speedboat, depending on the company and the starting point. I did a quick research and it should cost around $60 per person.
Car + Speedboat:
- If you are already travelling in Bahia or intent to visit other cities there, a car is a good option. If so, drive to Valença, where you can park your vehicle and then take a speedboat to Boipeba.
- It's also possible to drive to Graciosa, a village near Boipeba, and take a speedboat from there.

Rental prices may differ depending on your car, but the ferry costs $10 per person. You can leave you car parked near the port, it is very convenient and safe.

What to do?

There are endless options of cool things to see in Boipeba, but I'm going to share the ones I enjoyed the most.

Moreré Beach

Just getting to Moreré is a unique journey in itself. It's the most famous beach in Boipeba, yet it strangely maintains a tranquil atmosphere, almost like a place that's just been discovered. The sandy streets, the pace is incredibly relaxed (respecting the Bahian way of life), and the sea is marvelous, with natural pools that form as the tide changes.

There are no cars in Moreré – you arrive either via tractor-taxis (an experience in itself) or by walking along the beach (always remember to check the tides). The first time I went to Moreré was just for a beach stroll. The arrival was impactful, with little houses overlooking the sea, beachfront bars and restaurants, and a surreal beach. We loved it so much that we came back and stayed for a week.

The place also delivers wonderful food: a lunch at Amendoeiras is a must, an appetizer with a cold beer at Barraca do Giba, and an artisanal burger from Casa Filtro.

Although there are many great guesthouses in Moreré, for an even more special experience, I recommend staying in the houses almost by the sea, slightly set back to the left of the beach.

Beyond Moreré Beach itself, which is already the highlight, a few other nearby places are well worth it:

Praia de Bainema is about a 10-minute walk from the village and is an expansive stretch of sand with rougher waves. It's worth a walk along the beach and a stop at Restaurante do Ligeirinho for some coconut water and maybe a snack.
Praia dos Castelhanos requires a bit more effort—about a 2-hour hike through the mangrove and a short boat trip to cross a river—but it's absolutely worth it. The calm, crystal-blue, warm water is such a reward! The beauty upon arrival is definitely stunning. And once you're there, a delicious reward is trying the lobster and the delicious cachaça cocktail (caipirinha) served inside the cocoa fruit. A truly unique experience!

Enjoy a few days in this paradise, slow down to the Bahian rhythm, and contemplate the most beautiful things nature has to offer!

Exploring the center of the island

The center of Boipeba is also a really cool place to stay, with more infrastructure and shops. Right where the boats arrive, you'll find various guesthouse and hotel options, plus numerous beachfront restaurants to enjoy your day.

Beyond there, it's worth exploring the other nearby beaches, like Tassimirim Beach, also famous for its natural pools, and Cueira Beach, a long stretch of sand lined with coconut trees and home to one of the island's most famous restaurants – Guido da Lagosta, known for its fresh seafood dishes.

Another great excursion we did was a kayak tour through Boipeba's mangroves during sunset. With a guided group, we went into the mangroves to see the luminescent plankton in the water – simply magical!

When to Go?

Generally, Brazil's Northeast boasts wonderful weather and can be visited year-round. Anyways, here are a few things to consider:

From April to July is typically the rainy season, but the rain usually comes in brief, localized showers and honestly doesn't make a trip unfeasible.
Summer (December to March), obviously, is a great time to go, though keep in mind it's high season and the heat will be more intense.
From August to September, during spring, the weather is perfect and there are fewer tourists.

I hope this post has convinced you to visit Boipeba and enjoy the best that Bahia (and Brazil) has to offer. If you need anything, just send us a message. We'll be happy to help!