Tours

Morro de São Paulo

Morro de São Paulo is situated on the Tinharé Island in the Rio Una estuary, due south from Salvador. The island is host to kilometers of pristine beaches fringed with palm trees, calm crystalline waters with great swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Access to Morro by land is via the picturesque colonial town of Valença, and then boat on the River Una, lined with mangroves, followed by a short stretch of open sea. The landing point is at the ruins of a Dutch colonial fort built in 1630, leading to the main village.

Alternatively there are daily flights in light aircraft from Salvador. The flight is just 20 minutes offering great views of Salvador en route.

There is also a daily catamaram services from Salvador but this is our least preferred means of transport due to the long section on the open sea which can be a source of discomfort for many.

The main village is just a short walk from the pier. There are many good restaurants on the main street of the village leading to the first beach. There is a wide choice of good pousadas on this beach.

The second beach is just a short walk away and is always busy with many beach cabanas, busier still at night when many remain open.

Best for swimming though are the third and fourth beaches. The third beach is host to some of the best pousadas on the island and is specially good for snorkeling and diving, particularly near the small Caitá island just a short distance offshore, recognizable by the solitary coconut tree on the island, truly a desert island.

At first sight the fourth beach appears endless and the fine sands fringed by coconut trees disappears into the distance. It eventually leads to the Enchanted (or fifth) beach.

There are no automobiles on the island and transfers are done on foot. There are many baggage porters available to assist with luggage. There is a tractor that takes an inland route allowing access to the more remote beaches and pousadas. There are two landing strips on the island allowing easy access to the pousadas.