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Located between Camamu Bay (third largest in the country) and Itacaré, the Maraú Peninsula is considered one of the most beautiful ecotourism places in Brazil. It is south of Bahia and has extremely well-preserved desert landscapes, with practically untouchable scenery. The richness of marine species and biodiversity as a whole surprises any visitor. The beaches are full of huge, green coconut trees, freshwater rivers that cut through the sea, calm waters and some with strong waves, rocks, an extensive strip of sand, reefs that form attractive natural pools… The beauties of the Maraú Peninsula are not it has an end.
In addition to the refreshing beaches, some walks and land tours lead to interesting landscapes such as the view of Morro Bela Vista from where the entire coastline can be seen, the Ilha da Pedra Furada with rock formations and Cachoeira do Tremembé, ideal for swimming. During these tours, which also include a canoe ride along the riverbed, you can see the mangroves and other vegetation that further beautify the environment.
It is known that the first inhabitants of the region were the Tupiniquin Indians, when the village was founded in 1560. In the 1600s, it was invaded by some foreigners, mainly Dutch, who entered the territory with acts of piracy. This paradise was hidden for many years, being discovered by Brazilians just a few years ago. There are rumors that the writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, from the book “The Little Prince”, lived in the village for several years. Even with the increase in visits, the city still preserves its rusticity, surviving on fishing and cultivating rubber trees, palm oil, peach palm, cloves, guaraná, cocoa and black pepper.
The 40 km of almost deserted beaches all year round are a delight for tourists who prefer to escape the hustle and bustle and have a more direct experience with nature. Even in high season, the beaches are rarely crowded, as the Maraú Peninsula is home to so many islands, beaches and alternative tours that people are divided between attractions, dispersing any intense activity. However, if the goal is to enjoy more entertainment, it’s worth going to the beach huts and restaurants in Barra Grande, which tend to be more lively, especially when night falls.
Accommodation is guaranteed in almost all surrounding villages, but the best concentration and options are in Barra Grande and Taipu de Fora. The same can be said about the restaurants, in addition to those in the inns, you can find dishes specializing in international and regional Brazilian food in the streets of Barra Grande. Take the opportunity to enjoy the much praised moquecas and crepes with exotic flavors.
The paradisiacal attractions, islands, lagoons, waterfalls, beaches and Atlantic forest reserves with native vegetation attract countless tourists in high season. It is no surprise that the peninsula is considered the most beautiful beach reserve in Brazil.
The beauties can be enjoyed by sea trips on boat and canoe routes along rivers, some sailing sports on the seas and by land on 4×4 trips or on trails that explore deserted landscapes rich in fauna and flora.
Tours
Tours around the Maraú Peninsula offer good doses of adventure and contemplation amidst the fauna and flora. It is possible to enjoy the beautiful view of the beaches at Morro Bela Vista, dive deep into Cachoeira do Tremembé, take a tour in a 4×4 vehicle along the shores and discover an interesting rock formation on Pedra Furada Island.
Morro Bela Vista
It is the best point to have a panoramic view of the entire Maraú Peninsula. It is also called Morro do Celular. It is reached from Praia do Cassange, after crossing a lagoon and following a trail to this highest and most privileged point.
Tremembé Waterfall
The waterfall flows directly into Camamu Bay. Access is possible by boat or car from the city of Camamu. By boat, the tour covers the Céu and Maraú rivers, as well as the mangrove. Arriving at the waterfall, it’s worth taking a bath in the refreshing and invigorating waters. The tour lasts four hours. The waterfall is located close to the village of Tremembé.
Jeep tour of the Peninsula
To get to know the beauties of the Peninsula in depth, we recommend this exciting jeep tour along the coast, starting from Praia do Cassange to Ponta do Mutá. The route is also done on foot, in a walk to Barra Grande, completing the scenic circuit.
Pedra Furada Island
This beautiful island holds a beauty, it is the rock formation that forms a stone arch between palm trees and other trees in the water. At low tide this place is suitable for diving and observing marine species.
In total there are 50 km of coastline that is sparsely inhabited and, sometimes, little visited. From well-structured beaches to the most deserted ones, the Maraú Peninsula offers paradisiacal settings that seem to have come out of a postcard.
Clear, almost transparent waters, reefs that form delicious natural pools and gigantic coconut trees are the main characteristics of the beaches of Maraú, which are considered the largest beach reserve on the Brazilian coast and also the most beautiful.
Big Bar
This beautiful beach has clear sand and warm waters, great for swimming. This beach is the gateway to the Maraú Peninsula. This is where there are the best inns, restaurants and bars. The sunset at Barra Grande beach is one of the most praised.
Ponta do Mutá
This beach is at the northern end of the Peninsula, after Barra Grande and usually attracts numerous tourists due to the calm waters.
Three Coconut Trees
This beach is completely facing the ocean, with guesthouses nearby, coconut trees, rocks and a lighthouse that marks the entrance to Camamu Bay.
Bombaça
Unlike the others, this open sea beach has strong waves. It is permeated by coconut trees and coarse sand. Numerous reefs form natural pools at low tide. Extensive, there are some inns and summer houses around it.
Taipu de Fora
This beach is marked by a unique landscape that combines: reefs, coconut trees and strong waves. It is considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil. There is one of the largest natural pools, 1 km long and 500 meters wide. The existing corals are home to curious colorful fish that can be observed from snorkeling.
Cassange
The length of this beach is home to calm waves, soft sand and huge coconut trees surrounding it. The sea is crossed by a freshwater lagoon, separated by a 300 meter wide sandbank. Due to this factor, sailing sports are constantly carried out
Saquaíra
This straight beach overlooks a sea with calm coves. Coconut trees provide good shade for tired tourists. This rustic fishing village has a few small inns around it.
Cottons
To the south, this vast beach brings together weak waves, coconut trees and fine sand, ideal for walking.
To plow
Close to the city of Maraú, this beach has calm, deserted waters and is very peaceful. Some summer houses appear around.
Pilaganga
Considered the last beach in Maraú before Itacaré, it has strong waves perfect for surfing. Further away, some hills appear that help to form coves.
The weather remains pleasant most of the year.
Almost every weekend the city receives residents from neighboring cities who arrive to enjoy the nightlife.
In summer, Barra Grande, the peninsula’s main village, is busy with the bars and restaurants in the region. Inns are also usually full.
To enjoy the nightlife, it is recommended to travel in high season when all establishments are open.
Avoid going from April to June when it rains.
By airplane:
The closest airport to the Maraú Peninsula is in Ilhéus, 130 km from Barra Grande. From Salvador it is possible to take a quick flight to Barra Grande with the Aerostar company, which lands near a resort.
By car:
By car there are two options, one of which is the precarious BR-030, with a dirt road covering a distance of 40 km. From Salvador there are 190 km of asphalt road along the BA-001.
By bus:
The Águia Branca bus takes you to Camamu and from there take a speedboat to Barra Grande. There are daily buses leaving from Ilhéus. If you prefer to continue by bus, two companies in Camamu continue the journey to Barra Grande (where the main hotels are): Adventure and Princesinha.
* Depending on whether you will need to take a garden bus or a motorcycle taxi to get to the inn where you are staying. On rainy days, access is only possible with 4×4 vehicles.
Distances: São Paulo – 1775 km / Rio de Janeiro – 1449 km / Belo Horizonte – 1153 km / Brasília – 1180 km / Porto Alegre – 2840 km / Salvador – 277 km.
Tourist information – (73) 3255-2228
Climate: average temperature of 25°
It is recommended to take the tours accompanied by a guide.
It is recommended that you take with you for the trip: coat, water bottle, cap, sunscreen, repellent, raincoat, camera, backpack, bathing suits and hiking shoes.
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