Garcez Beach: Discover Paradise in Jaguaripe

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Garcez Beach: A hidden paradise on the Dendê Coast

Praia do Garcez has an incredible view, is quiet and little visited by tourists, who generally prefer more famous destinations such as Morro de São Paulo and other places on the Dendê Coast.

Located on Ilha d’Ajuda in the municipality of Jaguaripe, Praia do Garcez is a true paradise between the sea and the river, surrounded by the Atlantic Forest and vast coconut groves.

Praia dos Garcez na Ilha D´Ajuda em Jaguaripe — Garcez beach at Ilha D’Ajuda in Jaguaripe

Garcez beach

Its soft, white sands offer plenty of space for sports, while its large, leaning coconut palms give the landscape a robust and unique look.

There are sections where large trees dominate the landscape instead of coconut palms, providing natural shade for visitors. Hiking, quad biking, buggy riding, motorbike riding and other activities are common in the area.

The water at Garcez Beach varies in colour from dark blue to green and grey. The sea is calm with few waves, making it ideal for sunbathing and speedboat trips.

Video of Garcez Beach and Jaguaripe BA

Praia do Garcez em Jaguaripe BA05:05

Praia do Garcez, Jaguaripe - Bahia

Jaguaripe - Drone02:51

Garcez beach in Bahia

1. infrastructure and leisure

At the top of the beach there is a large meadow, ideal for picnics. There is also a parking area and beach huts offering drinks, snacks with typical spices and other regional dishes.

Visitors will find chairs, plastic tables and wooden benches that offer comfort and tranquillity.

Praia do Garcez is particularly busy at the turn of the year, when it receives a greater number of visitors.

Discreet, beautiful and unspoilt, the beach is bounded to the south by the Jiquiriçá River bar and to the north by the outlet of the Jaguaripe River. It is 18 kilometres long and marks the beginning of the southern coast of Bahia.

Such discretion means that Praia do Garcez goes unnoticed by many Bahians and tourists, who head straight for better known destinations such as Morro de São Paulo and Boipeba.

However, it is possible to see the iconic Morro de São Paulo lighthouse from there.

The beach has hosted major festivals such as the Universo Paralelo, an open-air music and art event. For this reason, it is considered a true pearl of the Bahian coast, still unknown to many.

2. Local history

Ilha d’Ajuda has a rich history dating back to the colonial period, when it was an important point of reference for navigation.

The region was inhabited by indigenous peoples before the arrival of the Portuguese colonisers, and many cultural vestiges can still be found.

During the colonial period, the island served as a strategic location for the exploitation of natural resources and trade, especially in the production of sugar and cocoa.

Over the years, the island and its beaches have become a haven for those seeking tranquillity and nature, while keeping aspects of its history alive through its culture and traditions.

Visitors can explore the local history through small old buildings and stories from the community, which preserves Bahian traditions and culture.

mapa da Costa do Dendê — Map of the Dendê Coast

3. How to get there

The shortest route from Salvador is by ferry and then BA-001 to the town of Nazaré (60 km).

From there it’s another 15 km along the Valença motorway to a sign indicating the entrance to Camassandi, Ilha da Ajuda and Praia do Garcez. From there it’s another 14 kilometres along a small road to the seafront.

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 16/05/2016 · Updated on 06/06/2025