Home » Bahia Travel Guide » Things to Do in Nova Viçosa (Bahia): Beaches, Islands and Abrolhos

The last town on the Whale Coast is Nova Viçosa, known for its seven beaches and Coroa Vermelha Island, an ideal destination for snorkelling and diving. If you’re wondering what to do in Nova Viçosa, Bahia, the answer lies in its varied beaches, colonial heritage and boat trips to one of Brazil’s richest marine ecosystems. The town combines natural beauty with water-based activities, making it a must-visit for anyone who enjoys ecotourism and marine life.

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Guia de Turismo de Nova Viçosa (BA)09:20

Nova Viçosa Vista de Cima05:11

NOVA VIÇOSA NO SUL DA BAHIA12:50

Praia do Pau Fincado - Nova Viçosa (BA)

Nova Viçosa na Bahia

Ilha de Coroa Vermelha na Bahia02:04

Ilha de Barra Velha em Nova Viçosa

Historical Heritage

1. Parish Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

The building comprises a nave, a chancel and a tower with external access and a pyramidal spire. Next to the Epistle side is a small sacristy. The nave features a central door and three windows at choir level, all with ogee arches. A notched pediment crowns the main body of the building. The tower has an entrance door and, above this, a window at choir level and the belfry, all with round arches.

• Date of creation: late 18th century
• Sponsor: Diocese

2. Town Hall and Prison

A two-storey building with a rectangular floor plan. The façade, characterised by pilasters and cornices, is crowned by a triangular pediment bearing the coat of arms of the Republic. On the ground floor, there is a doorway with a segmental arch lintel, flanked by two windows with iron grilles; on the upper floor, five windows with round arches make up the façade.

• Date of creation: late 18th century
• Organiser: Municipal Tourism Office

3. Railway Station

A rectangular building comprising two adjoining sections: the ground floor served as a warehouse; the upper storey housed the administration offices and a waiting room. It features roofs with French tiles and lambrequins, and a loading bay covered by a zinc roof. On the upper storey, the façade has a door and windows on the ground floor and three windows on the upper floor, with a central pediment decorated with a small lobed oculus.

• Date of establishment: 1897
• Organiser: Nova Viçosa Town Council

4. Porto Townhouse

A historic building with a rectangular floor plan. The façade features a door and two windows on the ground floor and four windows on the upper floor, all with arched surrounds and lintels. The front hall is lit by two side windows, preserving the architectural features of the period.

• Date of creation: late 18th century
• Trustees: the heirs of Tula Chaves Pereira

Things to do in Nova Viçosa: the main beaches

The region’s beaches range from lively urban stretches to virtually deserted coves — ideal for leisure, fishing and peace and quiet.

1. Praia do Lugar Comum — A city beach very popular with young people; generally calm waters, white sand and coconut groves. Ideal for those looking for facilities and a lively atmosphere.
2. Pontal da Barra Beach — Located on Beira-Mar Avenue, near the town centre, with a mooring for small boats. The Peruípe River flows into the sea here, making the water murkier and giving it a distinctive appearance.
3. Pau Fincado Beach — A straight beach, situated within the town limits, with gentle waves and compacted sand. It features beach huts and markets selling wooden handicrafts — a good choice for family outings.
4. Atlantic Coast — A more isolated and almost deserted stretch of coastline, with strong waves and plenty of coconut palms. A haven for sea turtles; very popular with sea bass and prawn fishermen.
5. Sabacuí Beach — Approximately 2 km from the municipal centre, this is a wide cove with calm waters, light-coloured sand and cowrie shells. Where the River Sabacuí meets the sea, large sand deposits (dunes) form. During the high season, there are beach huts catering to visitors.
6. Pontal do Norte Beach — A quieter stretch of beach, perfect for walks and taking in the coastal scenery; ideal for those seeking peace and quiet near the urban coastline.
7. Praia do Parque (Praia do Rio) — An area characterised by a mix of river and marine influences, ideal for small-scale fishing and interacting with local communities; it offers direct contact with the region’s fishing culture.

Diving and ecotourism

The region is home to coral reefs close to the coast, which offer excellent spots for diving and snorkelling. The small Red Crown Island features reef formations and natural pools that emerge at low tide — ideal places for spotting colourful fish, seaweed, starfish and turtles.

The schooner trip to the island usually takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the type of boat and sea conditions. Check the tide table to make the most of the natural pools at low tide.

The Abrolhos Archipelago and whale watching

Nova Viçosa is one of the gateways for visitors to the Abrolhos Archipelago, a marine area of great environmental importance and rich biodiversity. From July to November is the humpback whale season, when these animals come to the region to breed — a natural spectacle enjoyed by divers and observers alike.

Recommended walks

1. Abrolhos Archipelago — Boat trips with options for diving and marine life spotting; during the season, it is possible to spot humpback whales. Ideal for those who want to explore the reefs and marine biodiversity.
2. Red Crown Island — A schooner trip for snorkelling and swimming in natural pools; great for spotting colourful fish, shallow corals and reef formations. Check the tide table before setting off.
3. Barra Velha Island (Cassumba) — A tour through mangroves and sandbanks, including a motorboat trip along the Peruípe River; ideal for short walks, birdwatching and exploring the Atlantic Forest.
4. Artisanal fishing tour — Trips with local fishermen to catch sea bass and prawns, an experience that combines hands-on activity with an insight into the region’s fishing culture.
5. Trails and birdwatching — Guided walks through sandbank and mangrove areas, ideal for those looking to spot birds and wildlife in coastal environments.

How to get there and practical tips

• Transport: access via regional roads; check road signs and road conditions before travelling.
• Boat trips: choose reputable local operators, and check the safety of the boat and sea conditions.
• Best time to visit: choose months when the sea is calmer for diving; the whale-watching season may vary from year to year.
• Accommodation: there are guesthouses, basic hotels and a few more comfortable options — book well in advance during the high season.
• Environmental safety: please respect conservation areas and follow sustainable practices whilst diving and visiting the islands.

Suggested itinerary (2–3 days)

1. Day 1: a tour of the historic centre (church, Town Hall and Jail, Sobrado do Porto) and the town’s beaches.
2. Day 2: boat trip to the reefs and diving at Coroa Vermelha or nearby sandbanks.
3. Day 3: explore Barra Velha Island (Cassumba), go fishing or meet local communities.

Where to stay

Choose guesthouses or hotels near the seafront to make it easier to get to the beaches and take a boat trip; check reviews and facilities before booking.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Nova Viçosa, Bahia

When is the best time to visit Nova Viçosa?

July to November is the best time of year for anyone wishing to see humpback whales, which arrive in the region to breed. For diving and schooner trips, choose days when the sea is calm and the tide is low, so you can make the most of the natural pools on Coroa Vermelha Island.

How many days does it take to explore Nova Viçosa?

A 2- to 3-day itinerary is enough to explore the historic centre and the main beaches, and to take at least one boat trip to Coroa Vermelha Island or Barra Velha Island.

How do I get to Nova Viçosa from Salvador?

Nova Viçosa is about 960 km from Salvador. It can be reached via regional roads to Costa das Baleias, on the border with Espírito Santo; check road conditions before travelling, particularly on the final stretches.

Is it worth visiting Abrolhos from Nova Viçosa?

Yes. Nova Viçosa is one of the gateways to the Abrolhos Archipelago, a marine reserve with a wealth of biodiversity. Boat trips offer opportunities for diving, reef watching and, during the season (July to November), humpback whale watching.

Is Nova Viçosa a good choice for families travelling together?

Yes. Beaches such as Pau Fincado and Lugar Comum have gentle waves, good facilities with beach huts and easy access, making them ideal for families. More secluded stretches, such as the Atlantic Coast, are better for those seeking peace and quiet.

Final recommendations

Get ready to enjoy a variety of beaches, respect the natural environment and discover the local culture. Nova Viçosa is a destination that combines relaxation, adventure and history — and now you know what to do in Nova Viçosa, Bahia, to make the most of every day of your trip.

To round off your tour of the region, it’s also worth visiting the neighbouring Caravelas, another gateway to Abrolhos, or exploring other destinations in the Bahia Tourist Guide.

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 28/11/2012 · Updated on 16/08/2026

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