North-East Region, State of Bahia
Boipeba Travel Guide
Take a break among the coconut plantations, or explore the natural beauty of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Boipeba is a pristine island off the coast of Bahia, known for its very laid-back atmosphere, untouched beaches, and forests. Part of the Cairu Archipelago, the island has been recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve and as a World Heritage Site. There are just four small villages on the island: Velha Boipeba, São Sebastião, Moreré, and Monte Alegre. Accessible only by boat, Boipeba attracts fewer visitors than its neighbor Morro de Sao Paulo, making it a perfect off-the-beaten-path destination.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Boipeba
Relax at Praia de Cueira
Visit the beach and village of Morere
Take a boat trip to snorkel at Ponta dos Castelhanos
Hike to Boca da Barra
Explore Tassimirim Beach
Closest airport
Morro de Sao Paulo (air taxis only). The closest international airport is located in Salvador.
Main bus terminal
None - accessible only by boat
Velha Boipeba
Main ports
How to get to Boipeba
How to get to Boipeba from Morro de Sao Paulo:
If you are already in Morro de Sao Paulo and would like to visit Boipeba, there are two options:
Land & Boat: Trucks run to the far end of the island at 8am, 12pm, and 5pm (returning 9am, 1pm, and 6pm). The trip takes just over an hour, and from here you will take a 5 minute boat to cross to Boipeba. Expresso Madalena runs this service for R$150. It is the more expensive option but is fast and convenient.
Boat (Transfer in Valenca): There is no direct boat from Morro de Sao Paulo to Boipeba. To travel by boat, you will need to change boats in Valenca. You can book the first ticket for at the pier in Morro de Sao Paulo. Boats leave hourly and cost R$35. Its best to book the second ticket online as seats sell out. Island Tour sells tickets from Valenca to Boipeba online for R$63.
How to get to Boipeba from Salvador:
There is no direct way to travel from Boipeba from Salvador. There are several options depending on budget and time constraints.
Option 1: Ferry, bus, and speedboat (the cheapest route)
Take a ferry from Terminal Marítimo de São Joaquim to Bom Despacho (1 hour). In Dom Despacho, the ferry terminal and bus station are adjacent making it quick and easy to transfer to the bus.
Take a bus to from Bom Despacho to Valenca (2 hours). The bus station, Rodoviária de Valença, is around 20 minutes walk or a quick Uber ride to the boat terminal, Terminal Fluvial de Valença.
Take a speedboat to Boipeba (1 hour). Speedboats run between 10am and 5pm.
Option 2: Ferry and truck (via Morro de Sao Paulo)
It is possible to take a catamaran directly from Salvador to Morro de Sao Paulo. This route is more expensive.
From Salvador's tourist ferry terminal, Tourist Terminal Náutico da Bahia, which is located in front of Mercado Modelo, take a ferry to Morro de Sao Paulo (2.5 hours)
From here, follow the instructions above on how to get to Boipeba from Morro de Sao Paulo.
Option 3: Flight and speedboat (the fastest, most expensive route)
It is now possible to reach Boipeba by Air Taxi (a lightweight plane) from Salvador international airport. The flight, taking around 30 minutes, lands at Morro de Sao Paulo airport. From here you will need to take a 5 minute boat transfer to Boipeba.
How to get to Boipeba from the North of Bahia:
If travelling from locations in northern/central Bahia (such as Chapada Diamantina) it is not necessary to transit through Salvador. You can save time and money by taking a bus to Feira de Santana, and from there you can take a bus to Valenca.
How to get to Boipeba from Itacare:
From some locations in the south of Bahia (such as Itacare or Ilheus) you may take a bus directly to Valenca. From the ferry terminal of Valenca, take a speedboat directly to Boipeba.
How to get around Boipeba
There are no cars in Boipeba. The main town, called Velha Boipeba, is small and easy to walk around. If you would like to visit Morere, a smaller village on the Atlantic Coast, tractors, buggies, and small boats are available. Boat and buggie day tours are a popular way to see the island.
The tractors, which locals refer to as "pau de arara", depart from Ponto do Trator and cost R$15 each way. They will wait to depart until they have 10 passengers.
It is possible to walk from Velha Boipeba to Morere along the coast only at low tide. The walk takes around 2 hours. Always check the tides when planning you trip.
If you need help moving your bags from the port to your accommodation, there is a cart service available (fees for 2024):
Things to know before you go
Bring Cash: While some hotels, restaurants, and stores accept credit cards, there are no ATMs on Boipeba Island. It's essential to bring enough cash with you, especially for smaller shops, local vendors, and beachside barracas (food stands) that operate on a cash-only basis.
Limited Cell Reception and Wi-Fi: Boipeba is a remote island, so don't expect strong (or any) cell phone reception. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and restaurants, but speed and reliability varies.
Tide Timings for Beach Walks: Many of Boipeba's most beautiful beaches, like Moreré and Bainema, can be accessed by walking along the coastline during low tide. Check the tide schedule daily to plan your walks, as some routes are impossible or dangerous to walk during high tide.
