Lagoa Encantada (Ilhéus): tour, waterfalls, how to get there

Published on November 29, 2012 · Updated on October 24, 2026

Home » Bahia Travel Guide » Lagoa Encantada (Ilhéus): tour, waterfalls, how to get there

Lagoa Encantada (Enchanted Lagoon) lies in Ilhéus, in the south of Bahia, about 30 km from the city centre. It is a large sheet of water surrounded by Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest), with floating islands of vegetation that drift with the wind. In addition, the surroundings hold waterfalls, rapids, trails and caves. For this reason, it is one of the most beautiful nature trips on the Costa do Cacau.

Quick summary – Lagoa Encantada

Where it is: in the northern part of Ilhéus, in the south of Bahia, close to the BA-001 (Ilhéus–Itacaré).
Distance: about 30 km from the centre of Ilhéus, including 13 km of dirt road.
Protection: it is part of the APA Lagoa Encantada e Rio Almada, which was created in 1993.
Highlights: floating islands, the Apepique and Véu de Noiva (Bridal Veil) waterfalls, trails and caves.
Getting there: either by car along the dirt road or by boat on the Almada river.
Tour: as a rule, excursions from Ilhéus take about a day.

What to see at Lagoa Encantada

The lagoon is fed by the Apepique and Caldeiras rivers, which reach it in small waterfalls. All around, a well-preserved stretch of Mata Atlântica hides caves and trails. Thus, the trip combines a boat ride, a swim under a waterfall and a hike.

Floating islands

The floating islands are masses of aquatic vegetation that change position with the wind. As a result, the landscape of the lagoon is never exactly the same. In fact, they inspired several of the local legends.

Waterfalls of Lagoa Encantada

The waterfalls are the highlight of the trip. The best known is the Apepique waterfall, where the river flows into the lagoon; besides this one, the Véu de Noiva is also usually part of the itinerary. In fact, one of the falls in the area is about six metres high. Normally, the tours include free time for swimming in the pools and rapids.

Trails, caves and the Almada river

Besides the lagoon, the APA has trails through the Atlantic Forest and caves tucked away in the woods. The Almada river, on the other hand, is great for boat trips, canoeing and other water sports.

History and legends of Lagoa Encantada

In the 16th century, the lagoon was described by the Portuguese chronicler Pero de Magalhães de Gândavo, who wrote about the land of Brazil. Later, in the early 19th century, after the ports were opened, the naturalists Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied and the duo Spix and Martius passed through the region and described its still untouched forest.

Known in the past as Lagoa de Ilhéus, the lagoon holds legends from local folklore. The floating islands, for example, gave rise to stories of the lobisomem (werewolf) and the mula-sem-cabeça (the headless mule of Brazilian folklore). People also speak of a sunken kingdom, of illuminated ships and of roosters that crow before dawn. Indeed, it is said that whoever fishes there on a full-moon night never comes back.

Despite the legends, there are records that the lagoon was once home to manatees (peixes-boi), which were eventually wiped out by hunting. Today, most residents are riverside fishermen and farmers; therefore, tourism has become a new source of income for them.

APA Lagoa Encantada e Rio Almada

To protect the lagoon and its surroundings, the government of Bahia created the Área de Proteção Ambiental Lagoa Encantada e Rio Almada (Environmental Protection Area) in 1993. Then, in 2003, the APA was enlarged and now covers about 157,000 hectares. It includes the northern coast of Ilhéus as well as parts of Uruçuca, Itajuípe, Coaraci and Almadina.

Video about Lagoa Encantada

Lagoa Encantada em Ilhéus na Bahia03:06

Lagoa Encantada - Reportagem03:00

How to get to Lagoa Encantada

By car

From Ilhéus, drive about 16 km along the BA-001 towards Itacaré. Next, turn onto the local dirt road and continue for another 13 km to the lagoon. However, in rainy periods this stretch can be difficult; so a car with higher clearance helps.

By boat

The most beautiful option is the boat trip on the Almada river, which departs from the village of Sambaituba. In this way, the journey to the lagoon is already part of the tour.

With an agency

Several agencies in Ilhéus sell the complete tour, with transport, boat and stops at the waterfalls. In general, it lasts about eight hours.

Where to stay near Lagoa Encantada

There are a few rustic guesthouses around the lagoon, ideal for those who want silence and nature. Even so, most visitors stay in Ilhéus, on the beaches north of the city, and do the trip in one day. Another option, moreover, is to combine the visit with a stay in Itacaré, further north along the BA-001.

Frequently asked questions about Lagoa Encantada

Where is Lagoa Encantada?

It is in the northern part of Ilhéus, in the south of Bahia, about 30 km from the centre.

Access is via the BA-001 and a dirt road, or alternatively by boat on the Almada river.

What can you do at Lagoa Encantada?

You can take a boat trip, swim under the waterfalls and hike through the Atlantic Forest.

In addition, the floating islands are well worth seeing.

Which are the waterfalls of Lagoa Encantada?

The most visited ones are the Apepique and the Véu de Noiva.

So, bring your swimwear.

How long does the tour last?

In general, tours from Ilhéus last about eight hours.

In other words, set aside a whole day.

Is there a guesthouse at Lagoa Encantada?

Yes, there are a few rustic guesthouses in the surrounding area.

However, most visitors stay in Ilhéus.

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 →