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Maraú Peninsula: An essential refuge in Bahia

The Maraú Peninsula is one of the locations of the Dendê Coast in Bahia, a region located between the mouth of the Jaguaripe River and the Camamu Bay.

However, the mouth of the Jaguaripe 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 at Baía de Todos os Santos.

Natural Beauty

There are 115 kilometres of coastline, including beaches, bays, mangroves, sand banks, rivers, waterfalls and nature reserves. This number may vary depending on the source consulted.

The Maraú Peninsula is located to the south of Bahia, between Morro de São Paulo and Itacaré.

These two neighbouring natural paradises give an idea of the richness of the region’s landscapes and ecosystems. What’s more, the Peninsula is part of Bahia’s Cocoa Region.

Beaches and activities

The Maraú Peninsula has more than 40 kilometres of beaches that are virtually deserted all year round. Even in summer, when the restaurants are full, the beaches seem empty as holidaymakers scatter along the vast coastline covered in coconut trees.

At low tide, dozens of natural pools teeming with fish emerge between labyrinths of reefs. It’s important to check the tide table every day, as the landscapes can change completely with the moon and tides.

Special Attractions

The 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 trips continue. The new moon and full moon periods, when the tide is dry, are ideal for snorkelling.

Culture and Business

Barra Grande is the largest village on the Peninsula and still retains its caiçara simplicity, although it is home to the region’s main inns, bars and restaurants. Almost all the beaches have inns offering tours with 4×4 vehicles, speedboats and catamarans. One of the most famous trips is by boat around the islands of the Peninsula.

If 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 comes so close to the falls that you can touch them before disembarking.

Environmental protection

The Peninsula belongs to the APA (Environmental Protection Area) Maraú, a unit of sustainable use conservation of the Mata Atlântica Biosphere Reserve in the south of Bahia, and has several Nature Conservation Laws.

History and heritage

The city that gives the region its name is located in the south of the Peninsula, far 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 factory. Portuguese missionaries also influenced the settlement of the region.

Taipus Region

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 from the Maraú Peninsula

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Península de Maraú: 5 passeios imperdíveis

Península de Maraú - Reportagem

Península de Maraú Guia08:20

Península de Maraú - Drone04:00

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 the Viagem e Turismo magazine and the Quatro Rodas guide.

In recent years, the beach’s infrastructure has grown to include hotels, holiday homes, bar-restaurants and other services.

Natural pools

The main attraction here are the vast 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 best to visit during the full and new moons, when the tide dries out more and exposes the coral.

2. Around

Taipus de Fora Beach is a good starting point for exploring the Maraú Peninsula. There is a regular bus service to the village of Barra Grande, 7 kilometres to the north.

Further west, the villages of Taipus de Dentro and Campinho provide alternative access to Camamu Bay.

South of Taipú are miles of deserted beaches and extensive coconut groves. Places to visit include the Blue Lagoon, the Giant Bromeliad Forest and the Cassange Lagoon.

3. Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is located at the southern end of the Taipus de Fora beach. Its fresh waters are rich in lanolin, making it ideal for a relaxing swim after a day on the beach.

The lagoon lies at the foot of Morro do Farol, the highest point on the Maraú Peninsula. On a clear day, you can see the entire length of the coast from Ponta do Mutá to Itacaré.

The Blue Lagoon and the Morro do Farol are easily reached on foot from the Taipus de Fora beach.

4. Cassange Lagoon

Situated 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 paddling and kayaking. The location also offers a privileged view of the sunset.

The lagoon is separated from the sea by a narrow strip of sand, creating an incredible contrast between the fresh water and the sea. It’s an excellent place for those seeking peace 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 calm, crystal-clear waters, this is a popular destination for stand-up paddle boarding 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 falls directly into the sea, a rare occurrence in Brazil. It is reached by boat through 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 forest where bromeliads of impressive size grow, some over a metre high.

What is the trail like?

The trail can be done by quad bike, 4×4 or even on foot, depending on your starting point. The route crosses areas of dense vegetation and takes adventurers into an environment of rare natural beauty.

The presence of giant bromeliads makes the landscape unique, providing a visual spectacle and an immersion in local biodiversity.

What can you expect from the tour?

• Direct contact with nature in an unspoilt Atlantic Forest environment.
• Information about the local flora provided by the guides, who explain the importance of bromeliads in the ecosystem.
• Stops at other tourist attractions, such as Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Cassange, which are usually part of the route.
• Sand bars and dense vegetation make the experience even more adventurous.

Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Bahia, Salvador and the Northeast.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →

Published on 29/12/2012 · Updated on 25/07/2025

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