North-East Region, State of Bahia
Morro de Sao Paulo Travel Guide
MSP offers a true balance of tranquility, nightlife, and nature
Morro de São Paulo, referred to locally as MSP, is situated on Tinharé Island in Bahia. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches backing onto areas of Atlantic Rainforest, and car-free streets. The island is divided into five main beaches, each offering different atmospheres, from the bustling Second Beach to the tranquil Fourth Beach. A short distance away, the town of Gamboa provides a more laid-back vibe and an opportunity to take a clay bath it its mineral rich pink and yellow clay. Morro de São Paulo attracts a mix of backpackers, surfers, and luxury travelers, with something for everyone.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Morro de São Paulo
Relax at the tranquil Forth Beach (Quarta Praia)
Play beach volleyball at Second Beach (Segunda Praia)
Zipline from the Morro Lighthouse to the First Beach (Primeira Praia)
Hike to Gamboa and take a bath in mineral rich clay
Discover the historic ruins of Fortaleza do Tapirandu
Where to stay in Morro de Sao Paulo
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Morro de Sao Paulo, or check out my personal recommendations:
Hotels
Vila Dos Orixás Boutique Hotel - beachfront bungalows surrounded by palm trees, peacefully located away from the town center on a quiet beach (see prices)
One Beach Boutique Hotel - beachfront hotel on the Primeira Praia (first beach) and close to the town (see prices)
Pousadas (Guesthouses)
Pousada Bahia Bella - guesthouse with rustic decor located close to the Segunda Praia (second beach) (see prices)
Pousada Dona Moça - beachfront guesthouse with pool overlooking the Primeira Praia (first beach) (see prices)
Pousada VillaBahia - ocean views over Porto De Cima Beach, a little outside center of town (see prices)
Backpacker Hostels
Bamboo Hostel - a jungle hostel with an excellent vegan breakfast (see prices)
Hostel Mama Africa - hostel at Gamboa Beach, famous for its Saturday night party (see prices)
Where is Morro de Sao Paulo, Brazil
Closest airport
- Morro de Sao Paulo Airport - light-weight air taxis only from Salvador
- Valenca (VAL) - domestic flights only from Belo Horizonte
- The closest international airport is located in Salvador (SSA)
Main bus terminal
Access by boat only
Cais Do Morro De São Paulo
Main ports
How to get to Morro de Sao Paulo
Worried you don't have time to visit Morro de Sao Paulo? Consider taking a day trip from Salvador!
How to get to Morro de Sao Paulo from Salvador
There are three main ways to reach Morro de Sao Paulo from Salvador. There are also convenient private transfers available.
Option 1: Ferry, bus, and speedboat (cheapest route)
Take a ferry from Terminal Marítimo de São Joaquim (map) to Bom Despacho (1 hour). In Bom 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) (tickets)
The bus station, Rodoviária de Valença (map) , is around 20 minutes walk or a quick Uber ride to the boat terminal, Terminal Fluvial de Valença (map) .
Take a speedboat to Morro de São Paulo (40 minutes). The final speedboat from Valenca departs at 6pm.
Option 2: By sea (most direct route)
The easiest route is to take a direct ferry from Salvador to Morro de Sao Paulo. This trip is more expensive than the first route, but avoids the need to make transfers. The boat departs from Tourist Terminal Náutico da Bahia, located in front of Mercado Modelo. The trip takes around 2.5 hours.
Option 3: Flight (the fastest route)
It is now possible to reach Morro de Sao Paulo by Air Taxi (a lightweight plane) from Salvador international airport. The flight, taking around 30 minutes, lands at Morro de Sao Paulo airport.
Several companies offer transfer packages for tourists in Salvador however these are more expensive than making the journey independently.
How to get to Morro de Sao Paulo from Boipeba
To travel to Morro de Sao Paulo from Boipeba, there are two options:
Land & Boat: First, take a 5 minute boat to cross from Boipeba to Tinare Island. From here, trucks depart to the Morro de Sao Paulo at 9am, 1pm, and 6pm (returning 8am, 12pm, and 5pm). The trip takes just over an hour, and Expresso Madalena runs this service for R$150. It is the more expensive option but is fast and convenient.
Read the full guide on how to get to Boipeba from Morro de Sao Paulo by land
Boat (Transfer in Valenca): Aside from tour boats, there are no direct boats between Morro de Sao Paulo and Boipeba. To travel by boat, you will need to change boats in Valenca. Boats run from Boipeba to Valenca several times per day and cost R$63. Then, you will need to take a second boat from Valenca to Morro de Sao Paulo for R$35. The last boat departs Valenca at 6pm.
How to get to Morro de Sao Paulo from Itacare
Similarly, from other locations in the south of Bahia (such as Itacaré) you may take a bus directly to Valenca (tickets). From the ferry terminal of Valenca simply take the speedboat to Morro de Sao Paulo.
How to get to Morro de Sao Paulo from the Chapada Diamantina
If travelling from other locations in 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 here you can take a bus directly to Valenca (tickets).
How to get around Morro de Sao Paulo
There is no car transport in town, and the main way to reach the four main beaches is by foot. For those arriving with luggage, there are wheelbarrows to help transport your bags from the boat terminal to your accommodation, for a small fee.
For travel to other areas of the island including to Boipeba or Gamboa boat transfers are available from the main pier.
It is also possible to hike to Gamboa. This takes about 30 to 45 minutes, following a straightforward coastal path. Along the way, you’ll pass through a small village, a small waterfall, and forested areas, ending at Praia da Gamboa. Bring sunscreen and a hat as the trail is often in direct sun. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for most fitness levels.
Things to know before you go
Morro de São Paulo, located on Tinharé Island, is famous for its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere. The island and its beaches are popular with both Brazilian and international tourists. There are four main beaches to visit on Morro de Sao Paulo:
1. First Beach (Primeira Praia)
This is the smallest and least crowded of the main beaches, despite being the closes to the town centre. It’s a popular spot for those who enjoy water sports like surfing, snorkeling, and zip-lining. The water is usually calm, making it a good spot for swimming. There are some beachside bars and restaurants, and it’s where many of the pousadas (guesthouses) are located.
2. Second Beach (Segunda Praia)
This is the liveliest and most popular beach in Morro de São Paulo. It’s famous for its vibrant nightlife, with beach bars hosting parties and live music that often lasts until dawn. During the day, it’s a great place for sunbathing, swimming, and playing beach volleyball. The water is clear and warm, and there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops lining the beach. It is often busy, especially during peak season.
3. Third Beach (Terceira Praia)
This beach is quieter and more relaxed compared to Second Beach. It’s a great spot for those who want to enjoy the beauty of Morro de São Paulo without the crowds. The water is calm, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also the starting point for boat trips to nearby islands and natural pools. There are some nice beachfront hotels and restaurants, but it’s less developed than the Second Beach. There are also some coral reefs, making it a good spot for snorkeling.
4. Fourth Beach (Quarta Praia)
This is the longest and most serene beach, perfect for those seeking tranquility. It’s much less crowded and offers a more natural, unspoiled environment. The water is shallow and calm, and during low tide, natural pools form among the coral reefs. It’s a great spot for long walks, with miles of white sand. Bring what you need for your visit as there are fewer amenities here.
Town Center
The town center is where boats from the mainland arrive, so it’s the entry point for most visitors to the island. The center of town is located on top of the hill (morro) that gives the town its name. It is charming with its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a relaxed atmosphere.
The town is small but has everything, including ATMs, pharmacies, small supermarkets. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and some nightlife, including live music. Some pousadas are located a short walk from the center in the jungle, offering a different experience from those located on the beach.
The area is home to some historic sites, such as the Morro de São Paulo Lighthouse and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz. The ruins of the 17th-century fort (Forte de Tapirandú) offer panoramic views of the ocean.
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