Published on November 28, 2012 · Updated on October 29, 2026

Home » Bahia Travel Guide » Prado (BA): beaches, map, Cumuruxatiba and things to do

Prado is a municipality in the far south of Bahia and the gateway to the Costa das Baleias (Whale Coast). It has about 84 km of coastline, with colourful cliffs, reefs, natural pools, mangroves and lagoons. In addition, the town preserves a historic centre from the colonial period and, at Barra do Cahy, the memory of Cabral’s arrival in 1500.

Why visit Prado

In short, Prado combines nature and history. On the one hand, there are long beaches, reefs and natural pools; on the other hand, there is a historic centre with colonial mansions and churches. It is also a good starting point for boat trips, diving, hiking and whale watching in season.

Map of Prado and its districts

The municipality of Prado, in Bahia, has several seaside villages. From south to north, the main ones are:

• Prado (municipal seat): the town, with its historic centre, urban beaches and most of the tourist infrastructure.
• Cumuruxatiba: a district about 30 km from the seat; above all, it is a fishing village with calm beaches.
• Barra do Cahy: the mouth of the Cahy River, linked to the arrival of Cabral’s fleet.
• Corumbau: a village in the far north, famous for its sandspit and reefs.

History of Prado

According to the IBGE, the region was inhabited by the aimorés (Aimoré people). Later, an indigenous village on the banks of the Jucuruçu River gave rise to the settlement. Then, a royal charter of 3 March 1755 raised it to the status of a vila (town) under the name of Prado, which means “campo coberto de relva” (meadow covered with grass). However, the town was only formally established on 22 December 1764.

Afterwards, in 1795, the freguesia de Nossa Senhora da Purificação do Prado (parish) was created. Then, provincial law no. 129 of 2 August 1886 raised the vila to the status of a city. Finally, in 1961, part of the territory was split off to form the municipality of Itamaraju.

Cabral and Barra do Cahy

Prado lies between the Costa do Descobrimento (Discovery Coast) and the Costa das Baleias. According to local tradition, in April 1500 the fleet of Pedro Álvares Cabral anchored off Barra do Cahy. In fact, the first contact between the Portuguese and the indigenous people is said to have taken place there. Next, the fleet sailed north to Porto Seguro.

Church of Nossa Senhora da Purificação

Also in the historic centre, the matriz (mother church) de Nossa Senhora da Purificação recalls the old parish of 1795. Around it, for example, there are old mansions, stone streets and the Beco das Garrafas.

Video about Prado and Abrolhos

Beaches of Prado

First of all, the beaches of the municipality range from urban stretches with facilities to secluded coves. In general, those in the north, towards Cumuruxatiba and Corumbau, have more cliffs and reefs. Those in the south, on the other hand, near the seat, are longer and more open. From north to south, the main ones are:

• Corumbau, Tauá, Barra do Cahy and Calambrião;
• Imbassuaba, Moreira, Rio do Peixe and Cumuruxatiba;
• Dois Irmãos, Areia Preta, Japara Pequena and Ostras;
• Tororão, Paixão, Viçosa (Amendoeira) and Farol;
• Lagoa Pequena, Lagoa Grande, Praia do Prado, Barra, Quati and Guaratiba.

Corumbau

Corumbau stands out for its sandspit, which stretches out into the sea at low tide. The village, in turn, has mangroves, coconut groves and a peaceful atmosphere that livens up in summer. Moreover, the recifes de Itacolomi are great for diving and boat trips. Access is by dirt road; therefore, a 4×4 or a transfer is the better choice.

Tauá Beach

First, it has fine white sand, cliffs and lots of coconut palms. Thus, it is great for photos and relaxing.

Barra do Cahy

At the mouth of the Cahy River, then, the beach has cliffs, stronger waves and dark sand. Above all, it is popular for fishing, especially for snook. Besides its history, the place offers walks, horseback rides, boat trips upriver and birdwatching in the mangrove.

Calambrião, Imbassuaba and Moreira

Calambrião Beach has few facilities and is reached through a farm; therefore, it is very quiet. Imbassuaba, on the other hand, is a cove with gentle waves, cliffs, coconut palms and tropical almond trees. There, for example, you can go kayaking and line fishing. Finally, Moreira Beach is similar to Imbassuaba and is also reached by farm roads.

Rio do Peixe Beach

Divided into Rio do Peixe Pequeno and Rio do Peixe Grande, it lies at the mouth of a clear-water stream. Because it has gentle waves and white sand, it is good for swimming and artisanal fishing.

Cumuruxatiba

In general, the fishing village has firm sand, shallow waters and nearby reefs. It is also a starting point for schooner trips to the reefs and, in season, for whale watching. In addition, it offers guesthouses, campsites, bars and a pier.

Dois Irmãos and Areia Preta

Dois Irmãos Beach is a cove of about 700 m, with gentle waves, cliffs and dark sands. For this reason, it is ideal for kayaking and windsurfing. Areia Preta, meanwhile, takes its name from its dark, mineral-rich sand. There, moreover, the stream of the same name meets the sea at the foot of tall cliffs.

Japara Pequena and Ostras Beach

Japara Pequena has calm waters surrounded by cliffs and mangrove. In fact, when the tide allows, it is a good spot for diving. Ostras Beach, on the other hand, has open sea, a wide strip of light sand and streams that cross the shore.

Tororão Beach

It is, for example, a cove with green waters and fine sand. Undoubtedly, the highlight is the small waterfall that flows from the cliffs straight onto the sand.

Paixão Beach

About 20 minutes from the seat by dirt road, Paixão has shallow, calm waters, reefs and cliffs. Therefore, it is one of the best beaches for children. There are also snack stalls and guesthouses nearby.

Viçosa (Amendoeira) and Farol Beach

Viçosa Beach is known for a solitary tropical almond tree surrounded by light sand and cliffs. Next comes Farol Beach, about 6 km from the seat. Almost deserted, it has greyish sand, reefs and a Navy lighthouse, which, however, is not open to visitors.

Lagoa Pequena and Lagoa Grande

In general, these are straight beaches with stronger waves and white sand. Today, in fact, they already have beach stalls along the shore and places to stay.

Praia do Prado and Praia da Barra

In the seat, Praia do Prado has about 2 km of soft, golden sand. The sea has strong waves and, in some months, it gets rougher because of the wind. Further north, moreover, the Novo Prado neighbourhood is home to most of the guesthouses and restaurants. Praia da Barra, meanwhile, across the Jucuruçu River, has white sand, strong waves and unspoilt nature.

Quati and Guaratiba

Quati Beach is a quiet cove with shallow waters, restinga (coastal scrub) and coconut palms, but no facilities. Further south, about 15 km from the seat, lies Guaratiba Beach. It has about 3 km of soft sand, few houses and, above all, excellent reefs for snorkelling.

Things to do in Prado

Watch humpback whales

First of all, the Costa das Baleias is a nursery for humpbacks, which appear from mid-June to October. Consequently, there are boat trips from Prado, Cumuruxatiba and Corumbau. However, choose licensed operators that keep a respectful distance from the animals.

Parque Nacional do Monte Pascoal

The Parque Nacional do Monte Pascoal covers part of Porto Seguro and Prado. There, you will find trails in the Atlantic Forest and, in addition, contact with the culture of the pataxós (Pataxó people). In fact, the mountain was the first land sighted by Cabral’s fleet.

Arquipélago de Abrolhos

The Arquipélago de Abrolhos is the region’s main diving destination. However, boats to the marine park leave from Caravelas, further south. For this reason, it is worth combining the trip with Alcobaça and Caravelas.

Reefs and boat trips

In Corumbau, the trips visit the recifes de Itacolomi, natural pools and snorkelling spots. In Guaratiba, there are also reefs for shallow diving. Before setting off, however, check the tide and sea conditions.

Beco das Garrafas

At night, the most famous street in the town brings together bars, restaurants and, on some days, live music. It is, therefore, the best place to try seafood.

How to get to Prado

• By car: take the BR-101 to Itamaraju and then the BA-489 to the seat.
• Along the coast: the BA-001 links Prado to Alcobaça to the south; to the north, however, it becomes a dirt road as far as Cumuruxatiba.
• By plane: Porto Seguro airport is about 210 km away; Teixeira de Freitas airport is about 80 km away, but it has few flights.
• To Corumbau: access is by dirt road; therefore, a 4×4 or a pre-booked transfer is the better choice.

Best time to visit Prado

• Whales: from mid-June to October.
• High season: December, January and Carnival; so expect more crowds and higher prices.
• Calmer sea: generally from May to October, with good visibility for diving.

Frequently asked questions about Prado

Where is Prado, in Bahia?

It is in the far south of Bahia, between Porto Seguro and Alcobaça.

In other words, at the entrance to the Costa das Baleias.

When is whale season in Prado?

From mid-June to October.

During this period, there are boat trips from the seat, from Cumuruxatiba and from Corumbau.

Which is the best beach in Prado for families?

Praia da Paixão and Cumuruxatiba, because they have shallow, calm waters.

In addition, both have beach stalls and guesthouses nearby.

Do I need a 4×4 to get to Corumbau?

It is recommended, because access is by dirt road.

There are also transfers and local agencies.

Can I go to Abrolhos from Prado?

Yes, but the boats to Abrolhos leave from Caravelas.

For this reason, most visitors drive there.