Home » Bahia Travel Guide » Main islands of Todos os Santos Bay | Visitor’s Guide

Todos os Santos Bay is the largest bay in Brazil. It was first recorded by Europeans on 1 November 1501 — it was given this name because it coincided with All Saints’ Day. Located in the state of Bahia, it is of great historical, ecological and economic importance.

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Ilha Bimbarras na Bahia03:40

Ilha de Bom Jesus dos Passos

Ilha dos Frades - Guia Turístico07:13

Baía de Todos os Santos - Reportagem

Ilha dos Frades - Praias e Trilhas

Ilha de Itaparica - Praia da Penha04:04

Ilha de Itaparica - Barra do Gil04:47

Ilha de Itaparica - Drone02:55

Madre de Deus BA08:48

Ilha da Maré - Praia das Neves03:23

Ilha da Maré - Reportagem

Ilha de Matarandiba02:15

Ilha do Medo na Baía de Todos os Santos22:16

Ilha das Vacas na Bahia01:58

Ilha das Canas na Bahia04:54

1. Bimbarras Island
2. Bom Jesus dos Passos Island
3. Ilha dos Frades
4. Itaparica Island
5. Madre de Deus Island
6. Ilha da Maré
7. Matarantiba Island
8. Island of Fear
9. Ilha das Vacas
10. Ilha das Canas

1. Bimbarras Island

A private island with unspoilt beaches, mangroves and patches of Atlantic Forest. Partly designated as an environmental conservation area; access by prior arrangement and private boats. Ideal for diving and water sports.

2. Bom Jesus dos Passos Island

The Island of Bom Jesus dos Passos lies between Madre de Deus and Ilha dos Frades, and is covered in forests and mangroves. It boasts calm waters, camping areas and the Church of Bom Jesus dos Passos (18th century). Approximate population: 1,400–1,600 inhabitants. Access by boat from Madre de Deus.

3. Ilha dos Frades

The coastline of Ilha dos Frades stretches for around 8 km, featuring unspoilt Atlantic Forest and beaches with crystal-clear waters. Recommended beaches: Loreto, Paramana, Tobar and Ponta de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe. Highlights include colonial churches (17th century) and small guesthouses.

4. Itaparica Island

The largest island in the Bay of Todos os Santos (approx. 246 km² according to academic sources), with historic villages, coconut groves and ferry crossings from Salvador. It offers diving spots and water sports.

5. Madre de Deus Island

The Island of Madre de Deus gained autonomy in 1989, and has since seen growth driven by the oil industry. The beaches are largely developed; some areas are unsuitable for swimming. Activities include surfing, diving and water sports.

6. Maré Island

Ilha da Maré belongs to the municipality of Salvador; its area is approximately 14 km² according to some sources. It comprises Atlantic Forest, mangroves and beaches such as Itamoabo, Neves (with its 16th-century church) and Botelho. The local economy is based on fishing and the production of bilro. The crossing departs from the São Tomé de Paripe Waterway Terminal (approx. 45 mins).

7. Matarantiba Island

An ecotourism destination with natural attractions — notably the Tororó Spring — and beaches popular with surfers and ecotourists.

8. Island of Fear

Ilha do Medo is a small, uninhabited island, steeped in legend and historically used as a quarantine station. It is currently an Environmental Protection Area, covered in sandbanks and mangroves.

9. Ilha das Vacas

A private and virtually uninhabited island, known for its cattle farming and a solitary colonial house. Access is restricted.

10. Ilha das Canas

Few people, quiet beaches and the ideal setting for those seeking peace and quiet, diving and a connection with nature.

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 24/11/2012 · Updated on 20/07/2026

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