How to spend 3 days in Boipeba, Bahia: 3 day travel itinerary
- Rachel
- 15 hours ago
- 6 min read
Visiting Boipeba is a must for travellers looking to experience one of Brazil’s most pristine island destinations, located in the state of Bahia. Part of the Tinharé archipelago, Boipeba is known for its pristine white sand beaches, piscinas naturais (natural rock pools) for snorkeling, and sandy roads through Atlantic rainforest. The island is accessible only by boat, which helps preserve its slower pace of life and natural setting. The island's two main villages, Velha Boipeba and Moreré, provide access to beaches, walking trails, and boat trips.
The name Boipeba comes from the Tupi language and refers to a type of sea turtle once common in the region. With no cars on the island, most exploration is done on foot, by boat, or by quad bike. To make the most of your stay, it is recommended to spend at least 3 days on the island. This allows time to explore the main beaches, the villages of Boipeba and Morere, and the surrounding marine environment.
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Complete 3 Day Travel Itinerary for Boipeba, Bahia
This guide provides a detailed 3day travel itinerary for Boipeba, Bahia, covering the island’s main beaches, coastal walks, and boat excursions. It includes information on transport to the island, activities such as hiking, snorkelling, and quadricycle trips, as well as recommendations for dining and accommodation. Practical tips are also included to help plan your visit, such as what to pack and the best time of year to travel.
Day 1: Arrival in Boipeba + Exploring Velha Boipeba and Local Beaches
Morning: Arrival and Check-in
Arrive in Boipeba by boat or transfer from Valença or Morro de São Paulo. On arrival at the main pier, walk into Velha Boipeba, the island’s central village. Accommodation ranges from small pousadas to boutique guesthouses, located within walking distance of the pier. After checking in, take time to familiarise yourself with the village. Velha Boipeba has a small square, a few restaurants, and basic shops that supply visitors and locals.
Afternoon: Relax on Velha Boipeba's Local Beaches
Head out for lunch on the beach at Praia da Boca da Barra, the closest beach to the village. This beach sits at the meeting point of the Rio do Inferno and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a popular swimming spot. Continue walking along the sand towards Praia do Banheirinho, where you'll find a little beach stall serving cold beers and caipirinhas.
Evening: Dinner in Velha Boipeba
Return to the village in the evening and choose from several local restaurants serving Bahian dishes such as moqueca and fresh fish. For a quieter option, some pousadas also offer dinner to guests. End the day with a stroll through the village square before resting for the next day’s activities.
Day 2: Coastal Walk to Moreré + Return by Quadricycle
Morning: Walk from Velha Boipeba to Moreré
Begin the day early with a walk along the coast from Velha Boipeba to Moreré. This route can only be done at low tide, so it is important to check tide times in advance. The walk takes around two hours, but will take longer if you stops to enjoy the beaches along the way. You will pass Praia da Cueira and Praia de Tassimirim, both beautiful beaches known for tree-lined white sand beaches, calm waters for swimming, and small beach bars where you can pause for a swim or snack.
Afternoon: Moreré Village and Beach
On arrival in Moreré, explore the small village, which is home to a handful of pousadas, restaurants, and shops. The main attraction here is Praia de Moreré, a wide beach with clear water and natural pools that form at low tide. This is an ideal spot to swim or relax before heading back. Lunch can be found at simple beachfront restaurants offering grilled fish and local dishes.
Evening: Return to Velha Boipeba
For the return journey, hire a quadriciclo (quad bike), which takes you back to Velha Boipeba through sandy inland tracks. This is the fastest way to return and avoids retracing the walk. Back in the village, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before preparing for the next day’s activities.
Day 3: Full-day Boat Tour to Moreré Natural Pools and Castelhanos
Morning: Moreré Natural Pools
Start the day with a boat tour departing from Velha Boipeba or Moreré. The first stop is the natural pools off Moreré, which can only be visited at low tide. These shallow pools form among coral reefs and are ideal for snorkelling. The clear water provides good visibility to observe fish and other marine life. Snorkelling gear is usually provided by the boat operators, but you can bring your own if preferred.
Afternoon: Castelhanos Beach
After visiting the pools, continue by boat to Praia de Castelhanos, one of the most remote beaches on the island. This long stretch of sand is bordered by palm trees and has only a few small kiosks serving fresh seafood and drinks. Lunch is typically enjoyed here, with lobster and fish being the most common options. There is time to swim, walk along the beach, or relax in a hammock before the return journey.
Evening: Return to Velha Boipeba
In the late afternoon, the boat returns to Velha Boipeba. Depending on the tide and sea conditions, the trip may include short stops at mangroves or sandbanks along the way. Back in the village, spend your final evening enjoying a relaxed dinner at a nice seafood restaurant.
Final Tips for Visiting Boipeba
How to Get to Boipeba
Boipeba can be reached by a combination of land and boat transfers. From Salvador, the most common route is to take a ferry across the Bay of All Saints to Itaparica, followed by a bus or private transfer to Valença or Torrinha, and then a boat to Boipeba. Travel time is around 5 to 6 hours depending on connections. There are also transfer services available that include hotel pick-up in Salvador and coordinate all transport legs. From Morro de São Paulo, it is possible to take a boat south through the estuary to Boipeba, which takes about 1.5 hours.
How to Book Transfers to Boipeba
Tickets for buses and combined transfers can be booked in advance online, particularly in high season. For convenience, many travellers choose a full transfer service from Salvador that covers all connections.
If travelling from the south of Bahia, such as Itacaré or Porto Seguro, the best option is to take a bus to Valença and then continue by boat to Boipeba.
Where to Stay in Boipeba
Accommodation options include small pousadas, guesthouses, and boutique hotels.
Velha Boipeba: The main village offers easy access to the pier, restaurants, and local services. It is a good base for exploring the island and booking tours.
Beachfront Options: Staying near Moreré or Cueira provides direct access to quieter beaches and natural pools, though with fewer dining and service options compared to Velha Boipeba.
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Boipeba
What to Pack for Boipeba
Pack swimwear, and light clothing for the day time, and a light jacket or windbreaker for the night if travelling during the winter. Bring sun protection, including a hat and waterproof sunscreen, and an insulated water bottle for longer walks and day tours. Pack insect repellent for mosquitos, particularly around dusk. Reef shoes or sandals are great exploring reef and rocky tide pool areas. A snorkel and waterproof bag for electronics is also a good idea to bring on boat trips.
Best Time to Visit Boipeba, Bahia
The island can be visited throughout the year. The dry season from September to February offers calm seas and better conditions for snorkelling and boat trips. The rainy season from March to August is quieter, with fewer visitors and lower accommodation costs.
Ready to plan your trip to Boipeba?
Check schedules for catamaran or speedboat transfers and secure your accommodation early to make the most of your stay on the island. Don't forget to read the full Boipeba Travel Guide.
More resources for planning your trip to Brazil
Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Find your perfect accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels
You're not ready to travel until you have travel insurance. I recommend Safety Wing to my friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. Get a free quote
Forgetting something? Read my packing check-list for Brazil, and my list of 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil
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