Review: Boat tour to Cleandro Waterfall in Itacare, Brazil

If you're visiting Itacaré and looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Cachoeira do Cleandro (Cleandro Waterfall) boat tour is a must. This unforgettable half-day experience combines the natural beauty of the waterfalls, sunset on the beach, and an amazing Bahian lunch.

Boat tour to Cleandro Waterfall

The day begins with a convenient pickup at the iconic Itacaré sign on the Orla, right in front of the church Paróquia São Miguel. This landmark is easy to find and serves as a central meeting point for many local tours. From here, our guide greeted us with a warm welcome and helped us into a small boat on Praia da Coroa - our ride for the day.

As the boat pulled away from the beach, we headed down Rio das Contas (Contas River) through thick green forest. The journey upriver lasted nearly an hour, but it flew by thanks to the stunning scenery. Towering palm trees, dense green jungle, and occasional glimpses of local wildlife line the riverbanks.

The boat ride through the mangroves

Eventually, the river narrows and the boat enters the mangrove forests—a highlight in and of themselves. The guide navigates carefully through this maze of winding waterways. It’s a fascinating ecosystem, and we spotted literally thousands of crabs of different colours and sizes scuttling along the muddy riverbanks. We also saw a few birds - some birds that you may spot in the area include hawks, herons, vultures, the sabiá, and many others.

Visiting Cleandro Waterfall

When you arrive, it's just a short walk through the forest to reach Cleandro Waterfall. It is nestled in a secluded part of the forest, making the entire location feel private and untouched. The waterfall is actually a series of small cascades and natural pools, spread across multiple levels - the waterfall is 26 meters high in total, with 3 waterfalls and 2 natural pools. The first level is perfect for swimming—refreshing and cold after the boat ride. You can follow short trails that lead to the upper levels, each revealing new pools and quiet corners to enjoy.

The area is incredibly photogenic, with crystal-clear water, lush green foliage, and the soothing sound of falling water all around. Whether you want to swim, explore, or just relax on a warm rock and soak it all in, there's a space for you here.

A taste of Bahia

Next to the waterfall is a charming rustic restaurant, built into the natural landscape. It serves delicious traditional Bahian cuisine—expect moqueca, fresh fish, rice, beans, and tropical juices. The food is hearty and authentic, the perfect fuel after a bit of swimming and hiking.

After lunch, there are hammocks strung between trees where you can rest, nap, or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and you truly feel immersed in nature.

There is also a small gift store selling artisan products.

Sunset at Pontal Beach

Once you’re ready to move on, your guide will take you back down the river—but the day isn’t over yet. Before returning to town, the tour includes a stop at Pontal Beach. This quiet stretch of sand is the ideal place to end the afternoon. You can take a dip in the river, relax on the sand, or just watch the sunset paint the sky. There are no shops or restaurants here, so it's recommended to bring water and some snacks if you want to hang out a bit longer.

When you're ready, your guide will take you back to the original pickup point in Itacaré, or to Concha Beach if you prefer. Make sure to bring your phone so you can call your guide to pick you up when you're ready to go.

How to book your tour to Cleandro Waterfall

You can easily secure your spot on a tour by booking your tickets in advance online:

Is it worth going to Cleandro Waterfall?

In my opinion - definitely! The tour gives you a mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation that’s hard to beat. The boat ride itself is already a great experience, especially going through the mangroves, and the waterfall is a perfect spot to swim, explore, and unwind. The fact that there’s a good restaurant on-site makes it easy to spend a few hours there without worrying about packing food ahead of time. Just keep in mind the extra R$20 entrance fee and bring some water and snacks for the beach stop at the end.

Final tips & practical information

• Cost: In addition to the boat tour fee, there is a R$20 entrance fee for the waterfall, payable in cash or card.

• What to Bring: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, bug spray, water, and some snacks. You can eat at the restaurant near the waterfall, but there are no services at Pontal Beach.

• Time Required: It's really up to you to decide how long you want to spend at each stop, but expect to spend about 5–6 hours on this tour, including travel time, lunch, and time at the beach.