How to spend 4 days in Morro de Sao Paulo, Bahia: 4 day travel itinerary
- Rachel
- Aug 26
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 4
Visiting Morro de São Paulo is a popular choice for travellers wanting to experience one of Brazil’s most well-known island destinations, located on Tinharé Island in the state of Bahia. The village is accessible only by boat or small plane, making it a car-free destination with sandy streets, beachside paths, and easy access to the ocean. Morro de São Paulo is best known for its sequence of beaches, numbered from Primeira Praia (First Beach) through Quarta Praia (Fourth Beach), each offering different activities ranging from surfing and swimming to snorkelling and long coastal walks.
The name Morro de São Paulo translates to “Hill of Saint Paul” in Portuguese, a reference to the historic fort and lookout point built to protect the island during colonial times. The village itself is small but serves as the hub for accommodation, restaurants, and access to the beaches, with regular connections to Salvador by catamaran or transfer services combining bus and boat.
To make the most of your trip, it is recommended to spend at least 4 days on the island. This will give you time to explore multiple beaches, enjoy tours to nearby beaches, and experience the relaxed nightlife in the village.
Ready to plan your trip? > Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Morro de São Paulo > Find cheap transfers from Salvador to Morro de São Paulo > Book a boat tour to explore the islands of Tinharé and Boipeba
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Complete 4 day travel itinerary for Morro de Sao Paulo
This guide provides a detailed 4 day travel itinerary for Morro de Sao Paulo, including the island’s main beaches, nearby villages, and natural attractions. It covers transport options, activities such as cycling, hiking, kayaking, and boat trips, as well as recommendations for dining, nightlife, and accommodation. You’ll also find practical tips for planning your stay, including what to pack and the best times to visit.
Day 1: Arrival in Morro de São Paulo + Primeira Praia + Segunda Praia
Morning: Arrival in Morro de São Paulo
Most visitors arrive from Salvador by catamaran, speedboat, or a combination of bus and boat transfers. The trip takes between two and five hours depending on the route. After arriving at the pier in Morro de São Paulo, you will walk through the village to your accommodation. Help with luggage is available if needed, for a small fee. Check into your accommodation and get ready to head to the beach.
Afternoon: Primeira Praia (First Beach) & Segunda Praia (Second Beach)
Start your day at Primeira Praia, located only a short walk from the village centre. This small beach is close to the main street and is known for activities such as surfing and ziplining from the nearby hilltop. It is a good spot to get your first swim in and enjoy views of the coastline.
Walk along the sand to Segunda Praia, the busiest and most popular beach in Morro de São Paulo. This is the main hub for swimming, beach sports, and social activities. Join a game of beach volleyball, footvolley, altinha, or beach tennis. There are plenty of restaurants and barracas (kiosks) selling food and drinks throughout the day. The calm water makes it ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Finally, as the sun starts to go down, head up to the lighthouse on top of the first beach. This is an ideal viewpoint to watch the sun set over the ocean on your first day in Morro de Sao Paulo.
Evening: Dinner and Nightlife
Take the opportunity to try Bahian seafood dishes like moqueca while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the town centre. After dinner, head to the free street samba at Morena Bela, a well-known spot for live music and dancing, that runs from 8pm-11pm. If you still have the energy later in the night, Clandestino is one of the island’s late-night venues where the party continues until the early hours.
Day 2: Take a Bicycle Tour to Garapuá
Morning: Cycle to Garapuá
Begin the day by joining a guided bicycle tour from Morro de São Paulo to the nearby village of Garapuá. The route follows sandy tracks and coastal paths, passing through stretches of forest and open landscapes for around 13km. The ride takes around two hours depending on the pace and conditions. Tours usually include breaks along the way, giving you time to enjoy the scenery and rest before continuing.
Afternoon: Snorkel in the Natural Pools of Garapuá
Once in Garapuá, head out by boat or on foot to the natural pools (piscinas naturais) that form offshore during low tide. The pools are clear and calm, making them ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Local boat operators provide snorkelling equipment if needed. In addition to swimming, there are options to kayak through the nearby mangroves, offering a chance to explore the waterways and see the local ecosystem up close. After activities, enjoy lunch in one of the beachside restaurants that serve fresh seafood.
Cycle back to Morro de São Paulo in the late afternoon with the tour group.
Evening: Dinner in Morro de São Paulo
After some rest, head into the village for dinner. The town centre offers a range of restaurants, from casual eateries serving Bahian specialities to international options. This night is usually kept quieter to recover from the day’s activity, though you can always finish with a relaxed drink along the beachfront.
Day 3: Day Trip to Gamboa
Morning: Hike to Gamboa Beach
Start the day by travelling from Morro de São Paulo to the neighbouring village of Gamboa. There are several ways to get there. If the tide is low, you can walk along the coast from Primeira Praia, passing smaller beaches on the way. Another option is to follow the inland hiking trail, which takes you through forested areas and past a small waterfall before reaching the beach. For a quicker trip, boats run regularly between Morro and Gamboa for R$6 (the slower local boat) or R$10 (taxi boats).
Afternoon: Relax or try stand-up paddle boarding at Gamboa Beach
Once in Gamboa, choose one of the many beachfront barracas (restaurants with lounge chairs and umbrellas) to spend the day. The beach is calm and shallow, making it a good spot for swimming and relaxing in the water. Some barracas also provide kayaks and stand-up paddleboards free of charge for their customers, adding options for activities beyond swimming. Lunch can be enjoyed at the same beachside restaurants, with fresh seafood and drinks available throughout the day. Plan to leave in the late afternoon and take a taxi boat back to Morro de São Paulo during sunset, as the views along the coast are especially scenic at this time.
Evening: Nightlife in Morro de São Paulo
After returning, spend your final night enjoying the nightlife in Morro. Options include heading to Mamas Beach Club for one of the island’s most popular parties, joining the street samba for live music and dancing, or finishing the night at Clandestino if you prefer something more casual.
Day 4: Walk to Quarta Praia + Departure
Morning: Walk from Segunda to Quarta Praia
Start the day with a walk along the beaches, passing Terceira Praia (Third Beach) to reach Quarta Praia (Fourth Beach). This stretch is quieter and less crowded than the previous beaches, making it ideal for a relaxing morning. The sand is wide and the water calm, suitable for swimming or simply enjoying the scenery.
Afternoon: Optional Horse Riding and Leisure
Quarta Praia offers options for light activities such as horseback riding along the beach, which can be arranged at local stables. Otherwise, spend the afternoon relaxing under an umbrella, swimming, or exploring the coastline. Bring what you need as there are only a few barracas available serving drinks and snacks.
Evening: Departure from Morro de São Paulo
In the late afternoon, begin your journey off the island. Visitors can return by catamaran or speedboat to Salvador or other destinations. Arrange transfers in advance to match your departure schedule and enjoy the last views of the coastline as you leave.
Final Tips for visiting Morro de Sao Paulo
How to Get to Morro de Sao Paulo
Most visitors arrive via catamaran from Salvador. The catamaran takes around two hours and departs from the Mercado Modelo pier, while speedboats take roughly one hour. For inland routes, combined bus and boat transfers are also available. It is recommended to book your return transfer in advance, especially during high season.
For detailed instructions read the full Morro de Sao Paulo Travel Guide.
How to Book Transfers to Morro de São Paulo
To reach Morro de São Paulo, the fastest way is to take a catamaran from Salvador. A combination of bus and boat transfer is a good alternative for those who get seasick. Both the catamaran ticket, and the combined boat + bus transfer ticket can be booked online in advance, which ensures availability on your preferred travel day. For those short on time, full transfer services are available that include pick-up from your hotels in Salvador.
Alternatively, if you are traveling to Morro de Sao Paulo from the south of Bahia, (e.g. from Itacare or Porto Seguro), first take a bus to Valenca and then transfer to a speed boat to Morro de Sao Paulo.
Where to Stay in Morro de Sao Paulo
Accommodation on Morro de São Paulo ranges from budget hostels to mid-range pousadas and small boutique hotels.
Village Centre: Staying in the village keeps you close to restaurants, shops, and nightlife. It is convenient for exploring beaches on foot and accessing tours or boat trips.
Beachfront Options: Hotels or pousadas near the main beaches, especially Segunda Praia and Terca Praia, provide quick access to the sand and quiet morning or evening walks.
> Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Morro de São Paulo
What to Pack for Morro de Sao Paulo
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 Morro de São Paulo
The island can be visited year-round. The dry season (September to February) offers calm seas and sunny weather, and is better for diving, while the rainy season (March to August) is less crowded and offers lower prices and small.
Ready to plan your trip to Morro de São Paulo?
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 Morro de Sao Paulo 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
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