Published on September 6, 2014 · Updated on October 16, 2026

Home » Bahia Travel Guide » Morro de São Paulo: Map, Beaches & How to Get There (2026)

Tip from someone who has been there
I was last in Morro de São Paulo in April 2026 and stayed on Terceira Praia (Third Beach). In my opinion, it is the best base for most travellers, because it is close to the buzz of Segunda Praia, which you can reach on foot, but it has a calm sea, natural pools and much quieter nights.

Moreover, if you only have time for one excursion, take the Volta à Ilha (round-the-island tour). That way, in a single day you see the natural pools of Garapuá and Moreré, have lunch in Boipeba and stop in the historic centre of Cairu: it is the best way to get to know the archipelago.

— Willy Sievert, editor of Bahia.ws

Map of Morro de São Paulo and its beaches

The beaches of Morro de São Paulo are numbered by their distance from the village. In other words, the First Beach is a few minutes’ walk from the centre, while the Fifth Beach (Praia do Encanto) is about 6 km away. In addition, the map below shows the beaches, the lighthouse, the Tapirandu Fortress, the pier and Gamboa Beach to the north.

Morro de São Paulo: a car-free village on Tinharé Island

Morro de São Paulo lies on the northern tip of Tinharé Island, in the municipality of Cairu, in the Baixo Sul region of Bahia. For this reason, it is the best-known village in the archipelago and also the one with the best tourist infrastructure: guesthouses (pousadas), restaurants, craft shops and nightlife.

However, there are no private cars on the island. In fact, only tractors, open trucks, quad bikes and vehicles belonging to guesthouses and agencies are allowed. As a result, the village has a relaxed pace, with people walking between the beach and the centre.

In turn, the Tinharé Archipelago is made up of three larger islands — Tinharé, Boipeba and Cairu — and around 23 islets.

Videos about Morro de São Paulo

The beaches of Morro de São Paulo

1. First Beach (Primeira Praia)

It is the closest to the village, that is, about 300 metres from the centre, and at the same time the surfers’ favourite. In addition, it has beach bars, guesthouses and equipment rental. Diving trips to Laje do Forte, banana boat rides and water skiing also leave from here. Finally, in the late afternoon, climb up to the fortress to watch the sunset.

2. Second Beach (Segunda Praia)

It is the heart of the nightlife and, moreover, only about 10 minutes’ walk from the village. During the day there is volleyball, frescobol and beach bars; at night, on the other hand, there are bars, electronic music parties, beach luaus and the famous fruit caipirinhas (caipifrutas).

3. Third Beach (Terceira Praia)

It is calmer, mainly because it has simple guesthouses and restaurants along about 1 km of sand. Furthermore, this is where the boat tours leave from. Just opposite lies Caitá Island, with coral reefs and colourful fish — one of the best diving spots in Morro. Kayaks are also available for rent. However, at high tide the strip of sand becomes narrow.

4. Fourth Beach (Quarta Praia)

It has more than 4 km of calm, clear water, also lined with coconut palms. At low tide, for example, natural pools form, protected by the coral. That is why it is the ideal beach for anyone looking for peace and quiet.

5. Fifth Beach (Praia do Encanto)

Without a doubt, it is the most unspoilt, about 6 km from the village: fine white sand, warm water, mangroves and pools between the reefs.

6. Gamboa Beach

To the north of the village, on the way to Porto de Cima and Ponta da Pedra, lies Gamboa, a fishing village with a calm sea, natural pools and stalls run by fishing families serving home-cooked Bahian food.

Where to stay in Morro de São Paulo

• Third Beach — our recommendation: for most travellers it is the perfect balance. You can walk to Second Beach when you want some action, but the sea is calm, there are natural pools and at night the atmosphere is quieter and more private. It is also where the boat tours leave from.
• Village and First Beach: close to the pier and also to the restaurants and nightlife. Therefore, it is practical for short stays.
• Second Beach: ideal, above all, for those who want parties and action. However, it can be noisy at night.
• Fourth Beach: for relaxing, natural pools and fewer people, but further from the village.
• Gamboa: a quiet fishing village to the north, where you will also find home-cooked Bahian food.

3-day itinerary in Morro de São Paulo

• Day 1: first, arrival, First and Second Beach; then, sunset at the Tapirandu Fortress and an evening on Second Beach.
• Day 2: round-the-island speedboat tour (about 8 hours). For example, the usual stops are the natural pools of Garapuá and Moreré (depending on the tide), lunch on Cueira Beach in Boipeba, the floating bars of Canavieiras and a quick visit to the historic centre of Cairu.
• Day 3: Third and Fourth Beach at low tide, with the natural pools, and finally the late afternoon at the lighthouse.

Boipeba Island

About 50 minutes by boat from Morro de São Paulo, Boipeba is quieter and more unspoilt. Among others, the beaches of Cueira, Moreré, Bainema and Ponta de Castelhanos stand out. You can visit on a day trip or, even better, if you have time, stay for a day or two.

Historic sites of Morro de São Paulo

Tapirandu Fortress (Morro de São Paulo Fort)

It was built from 1630 onwards to defend the coast and, above all, the Tinharé channel, through which the region’s farm produce was shipped to Salvador. Today the ruins are protected by IPHAN, Brazil’s heritage agency. In addition, it is the classic spot to watch the sunset, and dolphins sometimes appear.

Morro de São Paulo Lighthouse

Built in 1855, it also offers a panoramic view of the beaches. The zip line that runs down towards the sea also starts from the top of the hill.

Fonte Grande (Emperor’s Fountain)

It was built from 1746 onwards to supply water to the village and the troops and, as a result, it became the largest water supply system in colonial Bahia. Incidentally, its name recalls the visit of Emperor Pedro II in 1859.

Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz

Completed in 1845, it also houses Baroque altars and sacred images. Moreover, according to local tradition, the patron saint saved the village from a Dutch attack. Finally, the main festival is held on 8 September.

Entry fee for Morro de São Paulo (TUPA)

Every visitor pays the TUPA (Tarifa por Uso do Patrimônio do Arquipélago), charged by the Cairu city council. The fee is paid only once per stay. In addition, it can be paid in advance through the official TUPA Cairu app, which saves you queuing on arrival.

In July 2026 the fee was R$ 70 per person. Although an increase to R$ 90 was announced, it was suspended indefinitely. Furthermore, young children and older people are exempt; even so, check the rules and the current fee on the Cairu city council website before you travel.

How to get to Morro de São Paulo from Salvador

Reference prices from October 2026. Prices and timetables change, so check with the operators.

1. Direct catamaran

• Departure: Salvador Tourist Maritime Terminal, opposite the Mercado Modelo. Therefore, arrive 1 hour early.
• Duration: about 2h30, depending on the sea.
• Price: about R$ 128 plus a boarding fee.
• There are also several departures a day, in the morning and early afternoon, run by different operators.
• Note: in rough seas the crossing can cause seasickness, and it may be cancelled and replaced by the semi-overland route. Allow at least 7 hours between leaving Morro and a return flight.

2. Semi-overland route (ferry + road + speedboat)

• Ferry or launch from Salvador to Bom Despacho or Mar Grande, on Itaparica Island.
• Bus, van or transfer to Valença, in about 2 hours.
• Speedboat to Morro: about 40 minutes from the terminal in central Valença, or about 15 minutes from the Bom Jardim pier.
• Total journey time: about 4h30. On the other hand, with an agency the transfer covers every leg.

3. By car to Valença

• Via the BR-101, BA-046 and BA-001, about 270 km and 3h30 of driving; or take the car ferry to Bom Despacho.
• Then you leave the car in Valença, in a car park that charges by the day.
• From Valença, speedboats leave roughly every 30 minutes during the day.

4. By plane

• About 25 minutes’ flight from Salvador to the Morro de São Paulo airstrip.
• However, it is the fastest and also the most expensive option, with daily flights in high season.

Getting around

Since there are no private cars in Morro de São Paulo, only tractors, open trucks and guesthouse and agency vehicles operate. First of all, from the pier you walk to Third Beach, where the boat tours leave from; for Fourth Beach there are horse-drawn carts and tractors. In addition, at the pier there are porters with wheelbarrows for luggage: agree on the price first, because it depends on weight and size.

When to go

The weather is stable all year round and any time of year is good for the beach. However, summer (December to February) is the liveliest, with frequent parties and a great sea for swimming, but also the busiest and most expensive. So book well in advance.

Useful tips

• In summer, book your accommodation well in advance.
• Pack light, because there are no cars and the slopes are steep.
• Also, pay the TUPA through the app before you arrive to avoid queues.
• Check the tide table, since the natural pools on Third and Fourth Beach only appear at low tide.
• On the main street there are craft shops, boutiques and good restaurants. Also, on full-moon nights there are luaus on the beach.

History of Morro de São Paulo

Before the Portuguese arrived, the island was inhabited by Indigenous peoples such as the Aimorés. Martim Afonso de Sousa passed by Tinharé in 1531, and the village was founded in 1535 by Francisco Romero. In addition, the island was part of the Captaincy of Ilhéus.

Due to its strategic position at the mouth of the channel that supplied Salvador, Morro suffered attacks by pirates and privateers during the colonial period. In 1624 the Dutch fleet that invaded Salvador passed the island, and local tradition says that in 1628 ships of Admiral Piet Heyn gave up attacking the village after sighting what looked like a battalion on the shore. Then, in 1630, construction of the Tapirandu Fortress began.

Later, in August 1942, German submarines torpedoed the ships Arará and Itagiba off the coast, an episode that contributed to Brazil entering the Second World War that same month.

Subsequently, from the 1970s onwards, the arrival of holidaymakers, backpackers and hippies spread the village’s fame. Finally, in 1992, the entire Tinharé Archipelago was declared an Environmental Protection Area.

Timeline

• 1531: Martim Afonso de Sousa passes by Tinharé Island.
• 1535: Francisco Romero founds the village.
• 1624: the Dutch fleet that invaded Salvador passes the island.
• 1628: according to local tradition, ships of Dutch admiral Piet Heyn try to attack the village and give up.
• 1630: Governor-General Diogo Luiz de Oliveira orders the construction of the Tapirandu Fortress.
• 1728: completion of the Forte da Ponta and the walls.
• 1746: construction of Fonte Grande.
• 1845: completion of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz.
• 1855: construction of the Morro de São Paulo Lighthouse.
• 1859: visit of the Imperial Family and Emperor Pedro II.
• 1992: the Tinharé Archipelago becomes an Environmental Protection Area.

Frequently asked questions about Morro de São Paulo

Where is Morro de São Paulo?

It is on the northern tip of Tinharé Island, in the municipality of Cairu, in the Baixo Sul region of Bahia, that is, about 60 km from Salvador as the crow flies.

How do I get to Morro de São Paulo from Salvador?

By direct catamaran from the Maritime Terminal (about 2h30), by the semi-overland route via Itaparica Island and Valença (about 4h30), by car to Valença and then by speedboat, or by plane (about 25 minutes).

How much is the entry fee for Morro de São Paulo?

The TUPA was R$ 70 per visitor in July 2026 and is paid only once per stay. Even so, check the current fee on the Cairu city council website.

How long does the catamaran from Salvador to Morro de São Paulo take?

On average, about 2h30, departing from the Tourist Maritime Terminal opposite the Mercado Modelo.

How many days do you need in Morro de São Paulo?

At least 3 days for the main beaches and the village. On the other hand, with 4 or 5 days you can add Boipeba and the quieter beaches.

Where should I stay in Morro de São Paulo?

For most travellers, Third Beach, because it is close to Second Beach but has a calm sea, natural pools and quiet nights.

Do you need a car in Morro de São Paulo?

No. In fact, private cars are not allowed on the island. Therefore, you get around on foot, by tractor, open truck, horse-drawn cart or with guesthouse and agency vehicles.

When is the best time to visit Morro de São Paulo?

In general, the weather is good for the beach all year round. However, summer, from December to February, is the liveliest, but also the busiest and most expensive.

How much does the round-the-island tour cost?

In general, around R$ 250 per person on a shared speedboat (October 2026 reference), lasting about 8 hours.

What is the most beautiful beach in Morro de São Paulo?

Fourth Beach and Fifth Beach (Praia do Encanto) are the most unspoilt, above all because they have natural pools at low tide.

Where is the best place to dive in Morro de São Paulo?

For example, opposite Third Beach, near Caitá Island; at Laje do Forte, next to First Beach; and in the natural pools of Fourth Beach at low tide.

See also: Valença · Boipeba Island · Tinharé Archipelago · Cairu Archipelago · Itacaré