North-East Region, State of Bahia
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Boipeba
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 laid-back beach town vibe and access to 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
How many days should you spend in Boipeba?
At least 3 days to explore Vila Boipeba, Morere, and to take a boat tour to snorkel at Ponta dos Castelhanos
Where to stay in Boipeba
There are two main areas to stay in Boipeba: Vila Boipeba and Moreré. Vila Boipeba is the island's main village and has more accommodation options and services. Moreré is smaller and more remote, accessed by tractor from Vila Boipeba, with access to pristine beaches. There are also some resorts and luxury accommodations located more remotely on the island, that offer their own transfer services.
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Boipeba, or check out my personal recommendations:
Hotels in Boipeba
Auka Boipeba - beachfront luxury hotel with swimming pool (see prices)
O Céu de Boipeba - set in the forest, features a terrace with views out to the ocean (see prices)
Beachfront Pousadas
Pousada Vila Sereia - beachfront guesthouse offering rooms with a sea view (see prices)
Pousada Horizonte Azul - beachfront pousada with a large garden (see prices)
Pousadas in Boipeba
Casa Linda Boipeba - modern guesthouse with a garden (see prices)
Charme do Dido - cute guesthouse with a courtyard garden (see prices)
Backpacker Hostels in Boipeba
OXE hostel - shared accommodation located in Morere (see prices)
Eco Casa di Barro - shared accommodation located in Vila Boipeba (see prices)
Praia Boca da Barra & Velha Boipeba
Where is Boipeba, Brazil
Quick Facts about Boipeba
Population of Velha Boipeba
3,680 people (IBGE, 2022)
Nickname
People from Boipeba do not have a specific nickname, however people from Bahia State are called baianos.
Closest airport
The closest international airport is located in Salvador (SSA)
Boipeba Airport - light-weight air taxis only from Salvador
Valenca (VAL) - domestic flights only from Belo Horizonte
Main bus terminal
None - accessible only by boat
Main port
Terminal Hidroviário de Boipeba
Boats also arrive directly on the beach at Praia Boca da Barra
Read my free 3-day travel itinerary for Boipeba!
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, and is a fast and convenient option.
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 are three main ways to travel to Boipeba from Salvador, depending on budget and time constraints. There are also convenient private transfers available.
Option 1: Ferry, bus, and speedboat (the cheapest route)
Take a ferry from Terminal Marítimo de São Joaquim (map) 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 (map), is around 20 minutes walk or a quick Uber ride to the boat terminal, Terminal Fluvial de Valença (map).
Take a speedboat to Boipeba (1 hour). Speedboats run between 10am and 5pm.
There are several companies who can arrange the full transfer, at a slightly higher price than making the trip alone, but with the convenience of guaranteed connections.
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 (map), which is located in front of Mercado Modelo, take a ferry to Morro de Sao Paulo (tickets & schedule) (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 changing bus in Feira de Santana. First, take a bus from Lencois to Feira de Santana (tickets), and then from Feira de Santana to Valenca (tickets).
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 (tickets). Then, from the ferry terminal of Valenca, take a speedboat directly to Boipeba.
Top transfers to Boipeba
How to get around Boipeba
There are no cars in Boipeba. Speed boat and quadbike (quadricíclos) day tours are a popular way to explore the island.
If you need help moving your bags from the port to your accommodation, there is a wheelbarrow service available (2024):
How to get to Morere from Velha 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, the cheapest and easiest way is to go by quad bike (quadricíclos). Speed boats are also available.
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 your trip.
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.
Is Boipeba safe for tourists
Boipeba is considered a safe destination for visitors. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it is a very different experience compared to larger Brazilian cities. As with any trip, it is still sensible to follow a few simple precautions, but these are more about peace of mind than real risk.
A few tips to stay safe in Boipeba:
Keep an eye on your belongings at the beach, or ask someone to watch them if you go for a swim
Don't walk around with large amounts of cash, carry only the cash you need for the day or a credit card
At night, stick to the main streets or paths where other visitors and locals are walking
Ask your pousada or host if you are unsure about the best routes or areas to explore
Travel insurance for Boipeba
Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is an important safety-net that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into an expensive disaster. The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.
I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about costs.
For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios, from theft to delayed flights and medical emergencies. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.
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