Halfway between Salvador and Itacaré, below Morro de Sao Paulo, the small island of Boipeba is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bahia. Its name comes from "M'boi pewa" in the Tupi language, which means "flat snake", the indigenous name for the sea turtle. Founded in 1537, it is one of the oldest places in the state of Bahia to have been colonized, and today it is characterized as a discreet island, guardian of a true natural and cultural treasure. But what to do in Boipeba, this ecological paradise of Bahia? In this article, we tell you the best ideas for activities to enjoy the island in all its splendor and experience a truly different way of life.    [caption id="attachment_18094" align="aligncenter" width="675"]Boipeba is a small island that offers magnificent paradisiacal panoramas, worthy of the Brazilian Northeastern region / Photo: Tiffany Flour Boipeba is a small island that offers magnificent paradisiacal panoramas, worthy of the Brazilian Northeastern region / Photo: Tiffany Flour[/caption]  

How to get to Boipeba? 

Getting to Boipeba is not that easy, but it is worth it. Located only 150 km from Salvador, it takes about 5 hours to reach the island. There are several ways to get there, but the most "traditional" is the ferry-bus-boat combination used by the locals. It involves taking the ferry from Salvador to the port of Agua de Meninos to Bom despacho where a bus will be waiting for you at the terminal to take you to Valença (when you buy your ferry ticket, you will find a stand in the waiting room that will sell you the bus ticket directly so you don't waste time). From the Valença terminal, you will have to look for a ticket that includes the bus to Cairu and the boat to Boipeba. Although it may seem complicated, it is also possible to book a transfer directly from your hotel or Salvador airport, where you can make the trip in a more relaxed and safe way.    

A sunset ride 

If there is one thing you should not miss on the island of Boipeba, it is the sunset. With its typical Brazilian atmosphere and the energy of its roots, it is a true spectacle to behold, with beach volleyball players, paddle boarders in the golden hour and music in the beach bars. To make the most of this spectacle, you should not miss the promenade from Tassimirim beach to Barra beach, where we follow the sun as it sets on the horizon, splashed by the waves and guided by the gradations of colors. A twenty-minute walk along the sand awaits you, passing through the wild flora of the island, before ending at Barra beach, in the center of the city, ideal to end the day in the heart of its animation.   [caption id="attachment_18095" align="aligncenter" width="675"]This beautiful walk along the beach at sunset allows you to admire the landscape in a gradation of colors that change as you walk along the fine sand / Photo: Tiffany Flour This beautiful walk along the beach at sunset allows you to admire the landscape in a gradation of colors that change as you walk along the fine sand / Photo: Tiffany Flour[/caption]  

Spending a night in Velha Boipeba 

Velha Boipeba (Old Boipeba) is the main port of entry to the island. It is an authentic rural urban center with tropical charm, where the main agencies, restaurants and stores of Boipeba are located. If during the day, the tranquility of the daily life of the locals paints the atmosphere of Velha Boipeba, at night, it is a lively atmosphere that gives you a warm welcome. With its small restaurants serving traditional Bahian cuisine, there is plenty to enjoy. For those on a budget, several street food stalls located in the main square below the church offer a delicious menu at a good price. To end the evening, a stroll along Barra's lively beach and enjoy the small handicraft fair is ideal for staying under its spell.   

Kayaking in the mangroves

Boipeba is mainly occupied by the typical vegetation of the Atlantic forest, with fruit trees, several species of palm trees, coral reefs and one of the largest mangrove reserves in the country. An incredibly rich fauna and flora that stand out especially for the ecotourism that is practiced on the island, among its most coveted activities, the kayak excursion through the mangroves. A walk in the heart of this wild vegetation that will not fail to surprise you.   Travel tip: check the lunar calendar before planning your kayaking excursion! If you go into the mangroves during high tides, you will be able to see bioluminescence in the water.    [caption id="attachment_18096" align="aligncenter" width="675"]Tourism in Boipeba is very aware of the environmental preservation of its natural wealth, so the excursions and activities have an ecological and sustainable orientation. / Photo: Tiffany Flour Tourism in Boipeba is very aware of the environmental preservation of its natural wealth, so the excursions and activities have an ecological and sustainable orientation. / Photo: Tiffany Flour[/caption]  

Enjoy the delicious coconut water at Cueira beach.

You wouldn't go to Bahia without drinking its coconut water, would you? Authentic symbols of the Brazilian northeast, coconut trees and their coconuts accompany you every day in many of their forms and flavors. Do not miss the opportunity to taste a good coconut water at Cueira beach, where white sand and multicolored corals are part of the decoration. Located between Bainema and Tassimirim, it is one of the most popular beaches on the island's ocean coast.   Travel tip: to continue your sensory journey to the heart of Bahia's tropical flavors, don't miss a good Pastel de Camarao (typical Brazilian dish of fried shrimp).  

Explore the natural pools of Morere 

The coral reefs on the west coast of Boipeba Island protect its beaches from the waves and currents. There is a rich fauna and flora, including corals, algae, fish, sea urchins, mollusks, starfish and even some turtles. Low tide is the perfect time to explore the natural pools that stretch from Moreré beach to Bainema beach. On foot, by paddle or kayak, and equipped with a snorkel mask, it is very accessible to take advantage of this walk to get to know the island's underwater life.    [caption id="attachment_18097" align="aligncenter" width="675"]Moreré beach is the favorite place for tourists and locals to enjoy the natural pools located on the edge of the island, at the entrance of the Atlantic Ocean / Photo: Tiffany Flour Moreré beach is the favorite place for tourists and locals to enjoy the natural pools located on the edge of the island, at the entrance of the Atlantic Ocean / Photo: Tiffany Flour[/caption]  

Adventuring in the heart of the island 

Although activities and entertainment are concentrated in the center of Velha Boipeba and the most beautiful beaches are located on the eastern coast, the island still has much to reveal to those who venture into its bowels. A tropical forest representative of the majestic "mata atlântica" in which a dozen rural houses coexist with mangroves and wildlife, which flows into the Catú River. It is the only major road in the 88 km² of the island, and allows access to reach Sao Sebastiao from the main port. The south of the island has a wilder and more secluded atmosphere, giving way to tranquility in the midst of virgin vegetation. Ponta dos Castelhanos beach is quite crowded depending on the time of year, but still on an island scale.     Travel Tip: the route from Velha Boipeba to Sao Sebastiao is 12 km of dirt road, so it is much more advisable to camp on the beach of Ponta dos Castelhanos or sleep in a hotel in the center of Sao Sebastiao, to fully enjoy the experience.   [caption id="attachment_18098" align="aligncenter" width="675"]The Catu River runs through most of Boipeba Island, offering a rich ecosystem of mangroves and rainforest, before flowing into the ocean. / Photo: Tiffany Flour The Catu River runs through most of Boipeba Island, offering a rich ecosystem of mangroves and rainforest, before flowing into the ocean. / Photo: Tiffany Flour[/caption]  

Whale watching in Antarctica

Argentina, Chile and Colombia are the favorite destinations for those who wish to meet these majestic marine mammals. But hasn't anyone told you that they can also be seen off the coast of Bahia, Brazil? Well, now you know! Every year, humpback whales approach the coast of northeastern Brazil from July to about mid-September, a perfect opportunity to experience this activity in Bahia's tropical climate.   Travel tip: if you stay in Boipeba during the whale watching season, don't miss this great opportunity to meet the marine fauna and experience a real spectacle.    Boipeba Island is a true ecological paradise where cars are not allowed and where joy is the norm. It is the ideal place to recharge your batteries and rediscover an authentic Bahian rural culture that flourishes in the shade of thousands of coconut trees. Crystal clear waters, wild fauna, exhilarating flora, Boipeba has not finished surprising you between adventure in the heart of tropical nature and relaxation on its paradisiacal beaches. Don't wait any longer and get connected!  

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  By: Tiffany, passionate communicator, inveterate marketer, enthusiastic traveler and collaborator of Daytours4u.