Published on December 29, 2012 · Updated on October 31, 2026

Home » Bahia Travel Guide » Península de Maraú, Bahia: map, beaches and how to get there

The Maraú Peninsula (Península de Maraú) lies in the south of Bahia, between the open sea and the Baía de Camamu, on the Costa do Dendê (Dendê Coast). It offers about 40 km of almost deserted beaches, with coconut groves, reefs and natural pools. In addition, the region has lagoons, mangroves, islands and even a waterfall that flows into the bay.

Map of the Península de Maraú

In short, the peninsula is a narrow strip of land, washed by the ocean to the east and by the Baía de Camamu to the west. To the north lies Ponta do Mutá, in Barra Grande; to the south, Algodões beach, already close to Itacaré. That is why the maps below help you plan your trips.

Península de Maraú and Baía de Camamu

Although they are connected, they are not the same thing. The Baía de Camamu, considered one of the largest bays in Brazil, has several islands and inlets, such as the Maraú River. The peninsula, on the other hand, is the strip of land between the bay and the ocean. Thus, the bay washes the western side of the peninsula and is the starting point for trips to the islands and the waterfall.

See the enlarged map of the Costa do Dendê

Video about the Península de Maraú

How to get to the Península de Maraú

• By plane: the nearest airport with commercial flights is in Ilhéus.
• By boat: from Camamu, the speedboat takes about 40 minutes to Barra Grande; the regular ferry boats, however, are slower.
• From Salvador: it is about 270 km. First, take the ferry to Bom Despacho, on Ilha de Itaparica; then continue by car or bus to Camamu.
• By car: there is also access via dirt roads, for example via the BR-030 from Ilhéus; however, the stretch becomes difficult in the rain.
• On the peninsula: 4×4 vehicles, quad bikes, motorcycle taxis and jardineiras (open-sided buses) connect the beaches; for example, jardineiras run between Taipu de Fora and Barra Grande.

Beaches of the Península de Maraú

Starting from Ponta do Mutá, there is a sequence of about 40 km of connected beaches, which you can explore by buggy or motorbike. Even in summer, when the guesthouses are full, they seem empty. In addition, dozens of natural pools appear between the reefs at low tide. From north to south, the main ones are:

Barra Grande and Ponta do Mutá

The village of Barra Grande is the largest on the peninsula and the main base for visitors. Once a fishing village, it now has guesthouses, bars and restaurants, but it still keeps its simple atmosphere. Facing the bay, the beach has light sand and warm, calm waters.

At the northern tip, Ponta do Mutá is one of the best places to watch the sunset. With calm, clear waters, it is also good for stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling. Around it, for example, there are beachfront bars and restaurants.

Três Coqueiros Beach

From here on, the coast faces the open sea. Close to the centre of Barra Grande, the beach has coarse, yellowish sand, native coconut palms and a few holiday homes. At high tide, the sea gets rough and the strip of sand almost disappears; at low tide, however, natural pools appear. For this reason, it is mostly frequented by locals.

Praia da Bombaça

Between Três Coqueiros and Taipu de Fora, Bombaça has holiday homes, guesthouses and a long deserted stretch. Walking along the sand, in fact, you reach Taipu de Fora without noticing where one ends and the other begins. Since there are no kiosks, bring water, fruit and snacks.

Taipu de Fora

Taipu de Fora beach is the most famous on the peninsula. It has about 7 km of light sand, tall coconut palms and a coral reef. At low tide, a huge natural pool of crystal-clear water forms there, full of colourful fish. That is why the beach often appears on lists of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. In fact, in 2025 it made it into the international Corona Beach 100 guide.

To make the most of it, visit during the full or new moon, when the tide goes out the furthest. In addition, arrive early, because the pools get crowded as the day goes on. In the pools, do not step on the corals and, since some spots are deep, only go in if you can swim. Some beach bars, in turn, charge a minimum spend. In summer, there are also night dives with torches. Incidentally, the name comes from an Indigenous term for the rounded hills of the Taipus area.

Cassange Beach

Further south, in turn, Cassange has softer, yellowish sand, coconut palms and gentle waves. Just behind it, moreover, lies the lagoon of the same name.

Saquaíra Beach

Next, Saquaíra is a straight beach with gentle waves and coconut palms in the background. It also has a small village with several guesthouses.

Algodões Beach

It is the last beach in Maraú, already close to Itacaré. It also has yellowish sand and slightly stronger waves. In Arandi, however, low tide forms natural pools, and you can rent jangadas (traditional rafts).

Ilha do Goió and Ilha do Campinho

Inside the bay, Ilha do Goió has a straight beach with gentle waves and light sand, surrounded by coconut palms and Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest). Ilha do Campinho, on the other hand, has a similar beach and a fishing village. Both are about 1 hour by boat from Camamu. Also on the bay side, the village of Taipu de Dentro has a beach shaded by trees, with houses and beachfront kiosks.

Sights of the Península de Maraú

Lagoa Azul and Morro do Farol

At the southern end of Taipu de Fora, Lagoa Azul has fresh water, perfect for a swim after the beach. It sits at the foot of Morro do Farol, the highest point on the peninsula. From the top, on clear days, the viewpoint offers a 360-degree view of the region, including Lagoa Azul. To climb it, hire a local guide. Moreover, both can be reached on foot from Taipu de Fora.

Cassange Beach and Lagoa do Cassange

Between the sea and the Mata Atlântica, Lagoa do Cassange is about 1,500 m long and is separated from the ocean by a strip of sand of some 300 m. As it is very shallow, you can simply walk in. On the other side of the strip, about 100 m away, lies Cassange Beach. Its calm fresh water is ideal for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing. It is also, without a doubt, a great place to watch the sunset.

Cachoeira do Tremembé

Going up the Maraú River, you reach the fishing hamlet of Tremembé. The main attraction is a waterfall that drops straight into the waters of the bay, which is rare in Brazil. In general, the trip is made by speedboat, taking about 40 minutes into the bay. The highlight, without a doubt, is when the speedboat goes right under the falls. There, locals also offer a short trail to the natural pools above the waterfall; however, the rocks are slippery, so do not go alone. Today, however, there is also access by car via the BA-001.

Tour of the islands in the bay

One of the best-known tours takes you by boat around the islands of the Baía de Camamu. On the way, it passes Pedra Furada, a postcard view of Barra Grande, and Ilha do Goió, where you often find shells. On Ilha do Sapinho, for example, the lunch stop usually features guaiamum, a blue land crab. Usually, the itinerary also includes the Cachoeira do Tremembé. Back in Barra Grande, meanwhile, Morro do Celular offers a beautiful view of the bay.

Trilha das Bromélias Gigantes

The trail leads to an area of preserved Mata Atlântica, where bromeliads grow more than one metre tall. You can therefore do it on foot, by quad bike or by 4×4, depending on the starting point. In addition, many itineraries include Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Cassange. Along the way, the guides explain the importance of bromeliads for the forest. However, there are not many giant bromeliads; therefore, go without high expectations.

Quad bike itinerary

Renting a quad bike or a 4×4 is, in general, the most practical way to explore the sandy roads in the south of the peninsula. A classic itinerary, for example, passes Lagoa Azul, the Trilha das Bromélias Gigantes and Lagoa do Cassange. Then it ends at Algodões Beach, where a large natural pool forms at low tide. For this reason, set off early to get there before the tide comes in.

Maraú River

Rarely visited by tourists, the Maraú River is an arm of the bay that stretches for dozens of kilometres and separates the peninsula from the mainland. Along the way, moreover, there are mangroves, forests and waterfalls. Therefore, a boat trip is worthwhile for nature lovers.

Video and reports about Maraú

Town of Maraú and history

First of all, the seat of the municipality is on the bay side, on the banks of the Maraú River, far from the beaches. There, then, life follows the rhythm of the old days, with old streets and houses. From the viewpoint in the upper town, for example, the view of the estuary and the lower town is stunning.

The town originated in the Indigenous village of Mayrahú, where Italian Capuchin friars arrived in 1705. Later, the parish of São Sebastião de Mayrahú was raised to the status of a vila on 17 June 1761. Between 1860 and 1864, moreover, an English company linked to John Grant, “João Branco”, exploited the region’s peat and oil shale to produce kerosene. Even today, in the locality of João Branco, there are ruins of the factory and railway tracks. Finally, Decree-Law No. 10,724 of 30 March 1938 raised the vila to the status of a town.

Nature and conservation

The peninsula is part of the APA (Environmental Protection Area) da Baía de Camamu, created in 2002. In fact, almost half of the protected area lies in the municipality of Maraú. For this reason, there are rules for the occupation and use of the reefs, mangroves and restingas (coastal scrublands). The economy, in turn, combines tourism, fishing and crops such as oil palm, cloves, cocoa, guaraná, peach palm and black pepper.

Where to stay on the Península de Maraú

There are basically four areas to stay in:

• Barra Grande: the village has the most guesthouses, restaurants, live music and budget options; however, it is far from the open-sea beaches.
• Taipu de Fora: the best location, since you can walk to the natural pools, even early, before the crowds.
• Saquaíra: a long, deserted beach, ideal for those who want peace and quiet.
• Algodões: a relaxed, alternative atmosphere, with natural pools at low tide.

Tips and best time to visit

• Tides: check the tide table every day, since the natural pools only appear at low tide.
• Moon: the full and new moons bring the lowest tides; therefore, they are ideal for snorkelling.
• Summer: from December to March, it is the high season, with more heat and more visitors.
• Rain: April is usually the rainiest month and, as a result, the dirt roads get worse.
• Winter: June and July are milder and low season; even with rain, the tours still run.
• How many days: in general, five days are enough to see the main beaches and tours.
• Combine with: Morro de São Paulo, Valença and Itacaré.

Frequently asked questions about the Península de Maraú

Where is the Península de Maraú?

It is in southern Bahia, between the Baía de Camamu and the ocean, and between Morro de São Paulo and Itacaré.

In other words, on the Costa do Dendê.

How do I get to the Península de Maraú?

The most common way is by speedboat from Camamu, which takes about 40 minutes to Barra Grande.

There is also access by dirt road, but it becomes difficult in the rain.

What is the most beautiful beach on the peninsula?

Taipu de Fora, famous for the large natural pool between the corals.

In addition, Cassange and Saquaíra are great for those who want peace and quiet.

Where to stay on the Península de Maraú?

Barra Grande is the best option for those who want nightlife, whereas Taipu de Fora is right next to the natural pools.

For those seeking peace and quiet, on the other hand, Saquaíra and Algodões are great choices.

What is the best time for the natural pools?

The days of the full or new moon, at low tide.

For this reason, check the tide table before you go.