Discover the beauty and tradition of Cumuruxatiba, Bahia

Cumuruxatiba is a district of the municipality of Prado, located in the state of Bahia, Brazil.

A fishing village

Cumuruxatiba is a small fishing village on the Costa das Baleias in the south of Bahia. Its name is difficult to pronounce and access is even more difficult, making it a well-kept secret for those who have visited.

Paradisiacal beaches

The city has paradisiacal beaches that look straight out of a tourist brochure, and its own “clock” that lets the hours pass slowly, so you can enjoy everything without rushing.

Tourist attractions

Cumuruxatiba has recently been discovered by tourists, both Brazilian and foreign, attracted by its peaceful life, warm waters and long beaches.

Highlights include Praia do Píer and Praia do Rio do Peixe, which offer attractions such as a freshwater dam, cliffs, monazite sands and a wooden jetty that extends a kilometre into the sea.

Access and tranquillity

The typical hustle and bustle of the Bahian coast fades away as you move away from Porto Seguro, where the nearest airport is located.

The drive to Cumuruxatiba is almost 240 kilometres, the last 30 kilometres on a dirt road. Despite the difficult access, the reward is quiet beaches with no street vendors or loud car noise, which is prohibited in the region.

Instead, you’ll find plenty of space on the sand, even during the high season, which runs from the end of December until Carnival.

If you’re travelling during this time, it’s advisable to book in advance.

There are no resorts, but the restaurants tend to be full, and the locals often rent out parts of their houses to visitors – many of whom come from Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo.

The Whale Coast

Cumuru (as the locals call it) 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.

The nearby Pascoal Mountain is the name of a national park created in 1961. This protected area covers 22,500 hectares, including parts of the Atlantic Forest and a Indigenous Reserve.

Origin of the name

It was the Pataxós who named the region. In the local 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 the Peixe Pequeno and Peixe Grande beaches.

See the map of Costa das Baleias

Videos of Cumuruxatiba in Bahia

See also Prado BA travel guide

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 scenery.

Highlights of Cumuruxatiba Boat Trips

1.1 Humpback whale watching

• During the months of July to October, the waters of Cumuruxatiba welcome the majestic humpback whales that migrate to the region to mate and give birth.
• Boat trips offer a unique opportunity to see these giants of the sea, often performing impressive leaps and displaying their tails. Local guides guarantee a safe and informative trip, respecting the rules of environmental protection.

1.2 Visit the reefs and natural pools

• At low tide, boats take visitors to explore the coral reefs and natural pools that form in the area.
• The crystal clear waters reveal an underwater world full of colourful fish and other marine life, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy snorkelling.

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 often included in tours that combine natural beauty with historical significance.

1.4 Explore remote beaches

• Boats give you access to lone and more remote beaches, such as Praia do Moreira and Praia do Imbassuaba, renowned for their wild beauty and absolute tranquillity.
• These trips are ideal for those who want to relax in unspoilt surroundings, away from the hustle and bustle of the central beaches.

Boat trips in Cumuruxatiba are more than just tourist activities; they are an invitation to immerse yourself in the history and natural wealth of the Costa das Baleias, creating unforgettable memories.

2. Humpback whale show on the high seas

From July to October, the Whale Coast in Cumuruxatiba attracts tourists looking for a unique experience: watching the humpback whales as they migrate from the South Pole to mate and give birth.

Although the guides cannot guarantee sightings, it’s very likely that visitors will see at least one of these majestic creatures.

The juveniles are usually curious and approach the boats, while the adults, which can measure up to 16 metres and weigh 40 tonnes, show off by spitting water and flashing their tails, providing incredible photo opportunities.

The tour, which lasts around three hours, requires precautions for those prone to seasickness, and it is recommended that you take seasickness medication before embarking. In this way, holidaymakers can enjoy the experience with peace of mind and create unforgettable memories.

3. Beaches of Cumuruxatiba

1. Ponta do Corumbau beach

About 50 kilometres from Cumuru, this small fishing village is still quiet, even with the arrival of hotels and inns.
Access by 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 by cliffs, coconut trees and a small river that flows into the sea. It is 18 kilometres from the village.

4. Calambriao Beach

With monazite, cliffs and sand, 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

This beach is accessed through a farm, three kilometres from Cumuruxatiba. Deserted, it offers coconut palms and clear sand, making it perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.

7. Rio do Peixe beach

Divided into two parts – Peixe Grande and Peixe Pequeno – by the presence of a river.
It is full of charming inns and is just two kilometres from the village, accessible by both beach and road.

8. Cumuruxatiba Beach

The beach that gives the village its name is lined with kiosks and, being long, is ideal for walking.

The reefs attract snorkellers and the wooden jetty adds to the rustic atmosphere. It is the starting point for schooner trips in the area.

9. Dois Irmãos beach

With weak waves, it’s perfect for windsurfers and kayakers. It is located two kilometres from Cumuruxatiba.

10. Areia Preta Beach

This dark sand 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 nearest airport to Cumuruxatiba.

From Porto Seguro, the 240-kilometre journey (30 kilometres of which are on unpaved roads) must be made by car or bus. Some guesthouses in the area offer a shuttle service, making it easier to get to the village.

Local transport

• There are local bus routes between Porto Seguro-Prado and Prado-Cumuruxatiba.
• However, it is essential to check the timetables as they are limited.

Bahia.ws is the largest tourist site in Bahia and Salvador.

Tourist guide of Cumuruxatiba in Bahia

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