Home » Bahia Travel Guide » Prado (BA) — Beaches, Cliffs and Whale Watching | Whale Coast

The municipality of Prado, in the far south of Bahia, is the gateway to the Costa das Baleias. It boasts idyllic beaches, colourful cliffs, mangroves, lagoons and a well-established tourist infrastructure.

Prado offers experiences ranging from peaceful leisure activities to active ecotourism: boat trips, diving, hiking and whale watching in season.

Why visit the Prado?

Prado combines nature and historical heritage. It boasts long beaches, reefs, natural pools and a historic centre featuring grand colonial mansions and churches.

Furthermore, it is a strategic stop on itineraries that include Abrolhos and Monte Pascoal National Park.

Municipality, districts and map

The municipality of Prado, in Bahia, has several towns and districts by the sea, some of the best known being:

1. Prado – The main town, with beaches and tourist facilities.
2. Cumuruxatiba – One of the most popular destinations, with peaceful, unspoilt beaches.
3. Corumbau – Famous for its tranquillity and natural beauty, with deserted beaches and crystal-clear waters.
4. Barra do Cahy – A historic site offering access to Monte Pascoal National Park.
5. Ponta do Corumbau – A region known for its coral reefs and natural pools.

These districts are among the main coastal attractions in the municipality of Prado, offering natural beauty and a wide range of leisure activities.

History and Culture

The town of Prado was founded in 1755. Prado still retains its 18th-century houses, cobblestone streets and historic churches.

Historical Heritage

Prado is situated on the border between the Coast of Discovery and the Coast of the Whales, and its history records the first contact between the indigenous peoples and the fleet of Pedro Álvares Cabral, at the mouth of the River Cahy, before reaching Porto Seguro.

Videos about the municipality of Prado and Abrolhos

Tourist Attractions in the Municipality of Prado

1. Beaches (from north to south)

1. Corumbau Beach
2. Tauá Beach
3. Barra do Cahy Beach
4. Calambrião Beach
5. Imbassuaba Beach
6. Moreira Beach
7. Rio do Peixe Pequeno and Grande Beaches
8. Cumuruxatiba Beach
9. Dois Irmãos Beach
10. Areia Preta Beach
11. Japara Pequena Beach
12. Ostras Beach
13. Tororão Beach
14. Paixão Beach
15. Viçosa Beach (or Amendoeira)
16. Farol Beach
17. Lagoa Pequena and Lagoa Grande Beaches
18. Prado Beach
19. Barra Beach
20. Quati Beach
21. Guaratiba Beach

Prado is about two hours’ drive from Porto Seguro and has approximately 84 km of coastline. The beaches range from urban stretches with facilities to secluded stretches, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.

1. Corumbau Beach

Corumbau is notable for the reef spit (≈1.5 km) that emerges at low tide. The village has a lighthouse, mangroves and a large number of coconut palms.

Activities: diving at Recife dos Itacolomis, fishing, boat trips and marine life spotting.

2. Tauá Beach

Fine white sand, cliffs and plenty of coconut palms. A great spot for photography and relaxation.

3. Barra do Cahy Beach

A bay with cliffs and stronger waves. The sand is dark (monazite) and the spot is very popular for fishing, especially for sea bass.

It is also a site of historical significance linked to the first contact between the Portuguese and the indigenous peoples on the southern coast of Bahia.

4. Calambrião Beach

A stretch similar to the previous one; accessed via a farm, with less infrastructure and plenty of peace and quiet.

5. Imbassuaba Beach

A cove with gentle waves, cliffs, coconut groves and almond trees. Ideal for kayaking, angling and windsurfing on days with moderate winds.

6. Moreira Beach

Similar to Imbassuaba in terms of its characteristics and access (farm tracks).

7. Rio do Peixe Beach (Small and Large)

A beach next to the mouth of a stream with clear water, gentle waves and white sand. Ideal for swimming and recreational fishing.

8. Cumuruxatiba Beach

A fishing village with a beach of compacted sand, shallow waters and nearby reefs. It is the starting point for schooner trips to the reefs and for whale-watching during the season.

Facilities: guesthouses, campsites, bars and a long jetty (650 m).

9. Dois Irmãos Beach

A cove about 700 m long, with gentle waves. Ideal for windsurfing and kayaking; notable for its monazite sands and cliffs.

10. Areia Preta Beach

A cove with gentle waves, a stream of the same name and a large concentration of monazite sands. Cliffs up to 30 metres high make up the landscape.

11. Japara Pequena Beach

Calm waters surrounded by cliffs and mangroves; a good spot for diving and fishing when the tide allows.

12. Praia das Ostras

Open sea, a wide stretch of white sand and streams cutting across the shoreline. Great for windsurfing and local fishing.

13. Tororão Beach

A cove with green waters and fine sand. A waterfall cascades down from the cliffs directly onto the beach, creating a beautiful and photogenic spot.

14. Paixão Beach

A cove with shallow, calm waters, featuring nearby reefs and cliffs. There are snack stalls and guesthouses in the vicinity. It is also a popular spot for paragliding on suitable days.

15. Viçosa Beach (Amendoeira)

A beach characterised by a solitary almond tree; white sands and surrounding cliffs. A popular spot for fishermen.

16. Farol Beach

A long beach with greyish sand and a stream to the north. It features a lighthouse, as well as sections with cliffs and reefs. It is the starting point for a trek to Santa Cruz Cabrália.

17. Lagoa Pequena and Lagoa Grande Beaches

Straight beaches with stronger waves and white sand. These areas have been undergoing urbanisation and feature beach huts along the shore and a range of accommodation options.

18. Prado Beach

Soft, golden sand stretching for 2 km. The sea has large waves and is rougher in certain months due to the winds.

The region has guesthouses, restaurants and camping options; to the north lies the Novo Prado neighbourhood, which has good infrastructure.

19. Barra Beach

A white-sand beach, accessible by crossing the River Jucuruçu. Strong waves and unspoilt nature.

20. Quati Beach

A peaceful cove with shallow waters, sandbank vegetation and coconut groves. The sea is teeming with octopuses and lobsters; there is no infrastructure — ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.

21. Guaratiba Beach

A long cove stretching for around 3 km, with soft sand and backwash waves. Usually deserted, with just a few fishermen’s huts; ideal for walks and nature watching.

2. Other tourist attractions in the municipality of Prado

As well as its beaches, Prado offers nature, history and cultural activities that complement any itinerary.

1. Barra do Cahy

A historic site set amidst lush natural surroundings. Hiking, horse riding and boat trips upriver are the most popular activities.

Observation of mangroves, birds and riverside landscapes; close to farms offering dining options.

2. Corumbau

A charming village that comes alive in the summer. It boasts coral reefs, natural pools and excellent opportunities for diving and kayaking.

Access via a dirt track from the BR-489; I recommend a 4×4 or a transfer with a local guide.

3. Humpback whales

The Whale Coast is a breeding ground for humpback whales; the season usually runs from June to October.

You can go birdwatching from the shore or on boat trips — always with authorised operators and in accordance with conservation rules.

4. Monte Pascoal

Monte Pascoal National Park has walking trails and a hike up the mountain (around 2 hours). It’s excellent for ecotourism and experiencing the culture of the Pataxó indigenous people.

5. Abrolhos Archipelago

The Abrolhos Archipelago is the region’s leading destination for diving and marine wildlife watching. Boat trips depart from nearby towns; book through accredited tour operators.

6. Boat trip in Corumbau

Trips to the Itacolomi and Pataxó reefs, natural pools and snorkelling spots. Check the tide and safety conditions before setting off.

7. Reefs in Guaratiba

Excellent spots for snorkelling and shallow-water diving, with an abundance of marine life. Trips usually last half a day.

Things to do in the evening

Beco das Garrafas is home to a cluster of bars, restaurants and live music on specific dates. It’s a great place to sample seafood and enjoy the nightlife.

Best time to visit

Whale watching: June to October.

Peak season: December, January and Carnival — expect busier times and higher prices.

More stable weather and good visibility at sea: May to October.

How to get there

• By car: the BR-101 and regional roads; some access roads are unpaved.
• By plane: the nearest airports are in Porto Seguro and Teixeira de Freitas; transfer by road.
• Local transport: taxis, minibuses and buses; for remote areas, opt for a 4×4 or a pre-booked transfer.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

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