Morro de São Paulo Catamarã
- Duration
- 2h10
- Route
- no stops
From R$138.71
BookThe village
Morro
de São Paulo
Village, beaches and open sea just over two hours from Salvador.
0102030405/ 05
Choose your transfer
All options leave Salvador and arrive at the Morro de São Paulo pier, by catamaran or on the semi-overland route via Mar Grande and Ponta do Curral.
Semi-terrestre
- Duration
- 2h30
- Route
- speedboat, bus or van and speedboat
From R$140.00
BookThe real Salvador → Morro de São Paulo route on the map
Where Morro de São Paulo is
Morro de São Paulo sits on the northern tip of Tinharé Island, in the municipality of Cairu, on the southern coast of Bahia. It is the first island of the archipelago for anyone coming from Salvador — just above Boipeba, from which it is separated by the Rio do Inferno. There is no road access: the final leg is always by water.
Heading to Boipeba instead?How to get to Morro de São Paulo
There are two ways in, and the choice is usually between time at sea and time on the road. The catamaran crosses the Bay of All Saints directly in a little over two hours. The semi-overland route covers most of the way by land, with two short boat legs — the option for those who prefer less open sea.
- 1
Salvador → Mar Grande
about 45 minThe bay crossing, from the Maritime Terminal to Mar Grande on Itaparica Island. It is the first leg of the semi-overland route; catamaran passengers skip it and head straight out to sea.
- 2
Mar Grande → Ponta do Curral
about 1h30Bus or van down Itaparica Island and on across the mainland through Nazaré and Valença to the boarding point at Ponta do Curral — 109 km of road.
- 3
Ponta do Curral → Morro de São Paulo
about 12 minThe final crossing by fast boat, over the channel to the island pier. It is the shortest leg of the whole trip.
- 4
Arrival → Beaches
variesNo cars run on the island. Luggage goes from the pier to your guesthouse by wheelbarrow, and getting between beaches is on foot, by boat or by tractor.
On arrival there is an island maintenance fee of R$ 70.00 per person, paid when you land and not included in the transfer price.
Abrir no Google MapsBest time to visit Morro de São Paulo
It is warm all year and the temperature rarely drops below 20 °C. What changes is the rain and the crowds. From September to December the island combines steady sun, calm sea and prices still well below the high-season peak.
| Indicador | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain | Medium | Medium | Medium | High | High | High | High | High | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
| Crowds | High | High | Medium | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High |
September to December: the best window
Little rain, calm sea and the island still without the summer crowds. This is when you get room on the beaches and pay less for a room.
December to Carnival: high season
Packed beaches, parties every night and prices at their peak. Come if what you want is the buzz — and book transfer and guesthouse well in advance.
April to August: the rainy months
It rains more and rough seas are more common, which can shift crossing times. In exchange, it is the emptiest and cheapest time on the island.
Morro de São Paulo in five facts
A village that began as a military post defending Bahia and now lives off its numbered beaches and its nightlife.
It began as a fortress
The Tapirandu Fortress was built in the 17th century to guard the southern approach to the Bay of All Saints. Its ruins still stand above the village, facing the sea.
The beaches are numbered
First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Beach follow one another from the village. The higher the number, the further from the crowds and the quieter the sand.
The lighthouse and the zip line
The lighthouse and the zip line sit at the highest point; the ride drops you onto the First Beach in seconds, and the view from up there opens over the whole bay.
An island without cars
No cars run in the village. Luggage travels by wheelbarrow and heavy loads by tractor, which is why the sand streets stay quiet.
Environmental protection area
Tinharé and Boipeba have formed a protected area since 1992, and the region is recognised by UNESCO as an Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve.
Frequently asked questions about Morro de São Paulo
How long does it take from Salvador to Morro de São Paulo?
About 2h10 by catamaran, straight from the Nautical Terminal. On the semi-overland route, about 2h30 in total: 45 min by boat to Mar Grande, 1h30 on the road and 12 min by boat to the island.
Can you drive to Morro de São Paulo?
Not to the island: the last leg is always by boat and no cars cross. On the island, you get around on foot, by boat or by tractor.
Is there a fee to enter the island?
Yes. The island maintenance fee is R$ 70.00 per person, paid when you land. It is not included in the transfer price.
When is the best time to visit Morro de São Paulo?
September to December, when there is little rain and the island is not yet full. December to Carnival is high season, busier and more expensive. April to August is rainier, but it is the emptiest and cheapest period.
What happens if the sea is rough?
When the sea closes, we move you to the semi-overland route, which covers most of the way by land and only crosses the channel on the final leg.
How it works
From the first message to landing at the pier, in four simple steps.
- 1
Choose the transfer
Compare travel time, vessel type and price across the available options.
- 2
Book on WhatsApp
Talk to our team, send your date and time and confirm your booking.
- 3
Board in Salvador
Departure from the Nautical Terminal, or pickup at your hotel or the airport on the semi-overland route.
- 4
Arrive in Morro de São Paulo
Land at the pier, minutes away from the guesthouses and First Beach.
Who we are
We run the crossing to Morro de São Paulo all year round, tracking sea conditions before every departure.
Established route
Daily departures from Salvador by catamaran and on the semi-overland route via Mar Grande.
Rough sea alternative
When the sea closes, we move you to the semi-overland route so you don't lose the day.
Direct support
Booking and assistance on WhatsApp, from the first contact until boarding.
Ilhas & Passeios
Avenida Estados Unidos, 01 · Edifício Cervantes, sala 812Comércio — Salvador/BA · CEP 40010-020
CNPJ 24.413.648/0001-58
Shall we plan your trip to Morro de São Paulo?
Talk to our team on WhatsApp to ask questions, check available schedules and confirm your booking.
Chat on WhatsApp · +55 (71) 98881-9374Back to home