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The village located 24 km from Porto Seguro is in a privileged area of environmental protection and is the district of Santa Cruz de Cabrália. This area is made up of extensive beaches with wide strips of coarse sand, blue and turbid waters when the river is low and huge coconut trees.
Some of them are home to coral reefs, but the most impressive are found on boat trips around the area that take you to Araripe, Alagadas and Coroa Alta. In addition to this tour, local guides take tourists on boats from Santo André and travel along the João de Tiba River and Santo Antônio River in the surrounding area for mud baths in the mangroves and observation of coastal sandbanks and fauna and flora.
The lack of structured commerce, electronic agencies or gas stations is explained by the 800 inhabitants who live there without much luxury, as if they were frozen in time. In any emergency, just travel to Santo André, a neighboring city possible via ferry crossing or to Porto Seguro, which is largely commercially structured. With just one main street, the fun is right at sea. For fans of sport fishing, Santo André is considered the best place to fish for blue marlin. By land, it is possible to take jeep rides along the beaches, trails through the forest that lead to indigenous villages and eat typical dishes in fishermen’s houses.
On New Year’s Eve, an already famous celebration is organized on Tartaruga beach, bringing together tourists and locals from the surrounding area to celebrate the New Year to the sound of lively clubs and lots of drinks. The place also brings together sophisticated inns at fair prices, tranquility in and out of season and restaurants with renowned cuisine.
Among the delights found in Santo André, the attractions are bathing and walking along the beaches of Tartarugas, Santo Antônio, Guaiú, Mogiquiçaba, Santo André, Belmonte, Mar Moreno, Barra do Sul and Barra do Norte.
Some are closer, others are further away, some are quieter, others are busier with tents, but all are unanimous in their scenic beauty. Touring rivers between mangroves and the Atlantic Forest and shopping for artisanal crafts are also among the highlights.
Tours
Some rustic tours can be taken in Santo André, including two boat trips along the João de Tiba and Santo Antônio rivers with an environmental class on Brazilian fauna. Even by boat, it is possible to take long trips to colorful coral reefs nearby that hide marine species. To top it off, how about purchasing some decorative objects and handcrafted utensils nearby?
Boat trips
The delightful three-hour boat trip along the João de Tiba River includes observation of fauna and flora typical of the Atlantic forest and mangroves. Another boat trip takes place along the Rio Santo Antônio which, in addition to taking you to mangroves, takes you to an indigenous reserve in the Medanha forest.
Surrounding reefs
Near the João de Tiba River there are preserved areas full of colorful reefs where you can also find graceful species such as dolphins and sea turtles. It is possible to snorkel to observe marine species up close. The reefs visited are: Araripe, Alagadas and Coroa Alta. In total, the tour can take up to five hours.
Ocean Fishing
Santo André is privileged for blue marlin fishing. It is considered one of the best fishing spots due to the Royal Charlotte Bank, a continental shelf 32 miles from the village that attracts large fish. The best time for fishing is from November to January.
Craftsmanship
Have you ever heard that phrase, if Muhammad doesn’t go to the mountain, the mountain goes to Muhammad? So, in Santo André, crafts reach tourists. The inns usually sell products from local artists, such as banana leaf lamps, paintings and glass and wooden objects for decoration. Some establishments also spread along the main street.
Santo André is in an environmental protection area, this observation already refers to the natural beauty that the village reserves. The beaches are full of deserted and semi-deserted landscapes, completely preserved and with low infrastructure. They are where you find calm and peace of mind.
Turtle Beach
The beach is full of delicious natural pools for swimming that are an intense blue in summer, the sand is thick, the coral strips are extensive and the large coconut trees provide good shade. It is 3 km from the village.
Ponta de Santo Antônio
The beach is characterized by being semi deserted and is located in Santo Antônio, about 9 km from Santo André. Far away, the sea has crystal clear waters for swimming with coconut trees surrounding it. Despite the little movement, some stalls offer services.
Guaiú Beach
This desert paradise brings together natural pools for bathing, fine, clear sand and the Gaiú River. Access is possible through a fishing village. It is 16 km from Santo André.
See the photo gallery of Guaiu Beach
Mogiquiçaba Beach
The beach stands out for being home to interesting marine aquatic species. The good waves allow for surfing and windsurfing. It is 23 km from Santo André, crossing the village of Mogiquiçaba.
Ponta de Santo André
This is the village’s main beach and, despite this, it is also deserted. Despite the few visitors, it has stalls serving tasty snacks. It is recommended for diving and fishing. It is surrounded by reefs and when the river is low, swimming can become dangerous due to low visibility.
Belmonte Beach
Located in Belmonte, this beach in the northern section has calm coves. The southern stretch of the beach is even more deserted.
Mar Moreno Beach
With waters suitable for bathing, it is close to the mouth of the Jequitinhonha River. A statue of a gaiuamum adorns the space.
Barra do Sul Beach
With no infrastructure around, this beach is long and deserted due to difficult access via dirt road.
Barra do Norte Beach
The beach is also deserted and has turbid, strong waters. It is a 15-minute boat ride across the Jequitinhonha River.
Even close to Porto Seguro, the center of Bahia’s bustle, Santo André has not lost its bucolic character that makes it so peaceful.
So, even in summer when it is high season, it is possible to find honest prices and calm.
Rain also doesn’t usually hinder access to the beaches, but to make trips easier and make the most of the sun, avoid traveling in winter, between June and August.
By airplane:
Air flights from the main Brazilian capitals leave for Porto Seguro daily. Porto Seguro airport is just 23 km from Cabrália, from where you can catch a ferry to Santo André.
By car:
Coming from Salvador, follow BR-324, BR-101 (until Eunápolis) and BR-367 until Santa Cruz Cabrália, after Porto Seguro on a 25 km route. From the north or south, also follow BR-101.
By bus:
There are two main companies that take you to Santa Cruz Cabrália: São Geraldo, which serves the southeast, and Águia Branca, which serves other cities in Bahia.
*Arriving in Santa Cruz Cabrália, the only option is to take a ferry that crosses the João de Tiba River and takes you to Santo André in 15 minutes.
Distances: Salvador – 746 km / Porto Seguro – 28 km / Santa Cruz Cabrália – 9 km.
Climate: temperature fluctuates between 20° and 30°
Tourist information for Santa Cruz Cabrália – (73) 3282-1544
Porto Seguro International Airport – (73) 3288-1880
Porto Seguro Bus Station – (73) 3288-1914
Santo André Raft – (73) 3282-1094
There are no bank branches, gas stations or debit or credit payment machines. Take money and fill the car with gas.
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