Things to Do in Morro de São Paulo (Brazil): A Complete Travel Guide

Are you looking for paradise beaches? A lively nightlife scene? Great food? Or just a peaceful place to unwind? You’ll find all of that in Morro de São Paulo, one of the most popular beach destinations in Bahia, Brazil. In this guide, I’ll show you how to get there and share the best things to do in Morro de São Paulo.

Located on Tinharé Island, about 60 km (37 miles) from Salvador, the state capital, “Morro” is a charming and vibrant beach village known for its crystal-clear waters, natural pools, and endless coconut groves. And besides its stunning natural beauty, it also boasts a solid range of accommodation and a buzzing nightlife.

Not to mention the amazing restaurants, where you can try traditional local dishes and cocktails made with just about every tropical fruit you can imagine. Bahian cuisine is famous across Brazil, and Morro de São Paulo definitely lives up to the hype.

If you’ve chosen Morro for your vacation, you’ve made a great call. Let’s get into it.

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How to get to Morro de São Paulo from Salvador

There are several ways to get to Morro de São Paulo departing from Salvador, the biggest city nearby:

1. Catamaran

The easiest and fastest option is to take a catamaran directly from the São Joaquim Maritime Terminal in Salvador. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. The downside is that departures depend on sea conditions. If the ocean is rough, the ride can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re prone to seasickness. Tickets cost around R$150.

2. Ferry + Bus + Speedboat

This is the most common option among travelers. The trip also starts at the São Joaquim Terminal in Salvador.

First, you take a ferry to Bom Despacho, on Itaparica Island. The crossing takes about 1 hour and costs between R$6 and R$8.

From Bom Despacho, you can catch a bus to the town of Valença right outside the terminal. The journey takes around 2 hours and costs about R$40. Shared vans (called lotação) are also available for a similar price and are usually a bit faster. I’ve taken them a few times — they’re informal, but generally safe.

The final leg is a speedboat from Valença to Morro de São Paulo, which costs around R$35. Altogether, the trip comes to about R$85.

The downside is that it involves multiple transfers and takes longer overall. Ideally, you should catch an early ferry in Salvador to arrive in Morro by midday.

3. Car + Speedboat

If you’re driving, you can go to Valença and then take a speedboat to Morro de São Paulo. Another option is to drive to the Bom Jardim pier (just before Valença) and take a boat from there. The advantage of Bom Jardim is that it’s closer to Morro, so the boat ride is shorter. Boat tickets from there cost between R$15 and R$25. There are secure parking areas in both Valença and Bom Jardim.

4. Bus + Speedboat

In this option, you take a bus from Salvador to Valença and then a speedboat to Morro. The bus ticket costs around R$60. The downside is that there are fewer departure times, so it’s not the most popular option.

5. Air Taxi

If you’re willing to splurge, this is the fastest way to get to Morro de São Paulo. The flight takes about 25 minutes and costs around R$500 per person.

How long to stay in Morro de São Paulo

To really enjoy the beaches and nearby attractions and check off the main things to do in Morro de São Paulo I’d recommend staying at least 5 days.

Of course, you can spend less time depending on your travel style. But if you’re the kind of person who falls in love with a beach and wants to spend the whole day there, taking it slow, anything less than 5 days won’t feel like enough to experience everything Morro has to offer.

Where to stay in Morro de São Paulo

Morro de São Paulo is divided into First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Beach (Primeira, Segunda, Terceira, Quarta e Quinta Praia), plus the village center, where you’ll find a variety of bars, restaurants, markets, pharmacies, and shops.

First Beach and Second Beach are the busiest and most lively areas. There’s a wide range of hotels, pousadas, and hostels for all budgets, and both are within walking distance of the village center.

Third Beach is still close to the center — about 1 km (0.6 miles) away. It’s less hectic than the first two but still considered part of the main town area.

Fourth and Fifth Beach, on the other hand, are much longer, quieter, and more secluded, with fewer beach bars and facilities. Some of the best hotels and pousadas in Morro are located right on the beachfront here.

Before booking accommodation, check out my detailed guide on where to stay in Morro de São Paulo.

Things to do in Morro de São Paulo: best tours and experiences

Trip to Garapuá Beach

Garapuá is another small village on Tinharé Island, located about 15 km (9 miles) from the center of Morro de São Paulo. You can get there on a guided tour by 4×4, by quad bike (which you can drive yourself), or by speedboat. And if you’re feeling adventurous like I was, you can even hike there. There’s a trail starting from the Fifth Beach that leads all the way to Garapuá.

Like other beaches on the island, Garapuá is heavily influenced by the tides. At low tide, several natural pools form along the shore. You can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, and there are also boat tours from the beach to visit the natural pools.

The beachfront restaurants are excellent, and you can easily spend the whole day relaxing in sun loungers. It’s one of the best places to visit in Morro de São Paulo with family, thanks to the calm sea and laid-back atmosphere.

Island-hopping tour (Volta à Ilha): Boipeba and Cairu

The Volta à Ilha (Island Tour) is one of the most popular things to do in Morro de São Paulo. It’s done by speedboat and usually starts from the Third Beach.

When the tide is low, the first stop is at the natural pools of Garapuá, followed by a visit to Boipeba Island.

Most tours include a lunch stop at Cueira Beach (pictured below) or Boca da Barra Beach, both in Boipeba. After lunch, the next stop is a floating bar in the middle of the river, where the highlight is fresh oysters farmed right there.

The final stop on the tour is the town of Cairu, home to a rich historical heritage dating back to the colonial period. The day ends with a beautiful sunset seen from the river as you make your way back to Morro de São Paulo’s pier.

Gamboa Beach

Gamboa Beach is located just over 3 km (about 2 miles) from the center of Morro.

From the main pier, small boats leave every 30 minutes and cost around R$5. This is the option locals usually take, and it runs until about 7 pm. You can also take a water taxi, which costs around R$10 and lets you arrange your return time directly with the driver.

Another option is to walk along the beach — just make sure to check the tide schedule and go during low tide. It’s a really pleasant walk, passing by cliffs where you can even grab some natural clay and apply it to your skin. Supposedly, it has rejuvenating properties… I believed it and ended up completely covered in mud!

Gamboa is a small fishing village with calm waters and more affordable restaurants compared to Morro’s main beaches. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend the whole day. In my opinion, it’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Morro de São Paulo.

Lighthouse, viewpoint, and zipline

In the village center, right in front of Nossa Senhora da Luz Church, there’s a street called Caminho do Farol. Walking up this path will take you to the Morro Lighthouse, the main viewpoint (mirante), and the zipline. The panoramic view from the top is absolutely worth the effort.

The zipline is perfect for travelers looking for a bit of adrenaline. The ride starts at the top of the viewpoint and goes all the way down to First Beach. It’s about 340 meters (1,115 feet) long and costs around R$50.

Sunset at the viewpoint deck

At the same viewpoint along the lighthouse path, there’s a deck that’s considered the best spot in Morro de São Paulo to watch the sunset.

There’s usually live music, and you’ll often find vendors selling drinks and homemade snacks. It’s of the most popular things to do in Morro de São Paulo at the end of the day.

5-day itinerary in Morro de São Paulo

Day 1: First & Second Beach + sunset at the lighthouse viewpoint

If you arrive in Morro de São Paulo by early afternoon, you can spend the rest of the day exploring First and Second Beach. In the late afternoon, head up to the lighthouse hill and watch the sunset from the viewpoint deck.

Day 2: Third, Fourth & Fifth Beach + sunset at Toca do Morcego

Time to explore Third, Fourth, and Fifth Beach. If you enjoy walking, you can go along the shore. Otherwise, you’ll find quad bikes and moto-taxis available on the Second Beach (on Receptivo Street).

Ask to be dropped off at the Fourth Beach (ideally near Binho’s beach bar, or “quiosque” in Portuguese), where you’ll find hammocks set right in the water. At the end of the day, head back to the village center and enjoy sunset at Toca do Morcego.

Day 3: Garapuá Beach trip

Take a day trip to Garapuá Beach. You can get there by boat, 4×4, or quad bike. Once there, head to the right side of the beach, where a short trail leads to Pratigi Beach.

Day 4: Island-hopping tour (Boipeba + Cairu)

Do the Volta à Ilha tour. You can book it with a boat captain at the Third Beach or through a travel agency in the village center. This is one of the most complete things to do in Morro de São Paulo, so don’t skip it.

Day 5: Gamboa Beach + sunset at Mama Iate Club

Walk to Gamboa Beach during low tide, spend the day enjoying one of the best beaches in Morro, and finish with sunset at Mama Iate Club.

Things to do in Morro de São Paulo at night

Many travelers come to Morro de São Paulo not just for the beaches, but also for its lively nightlife. Here are some ideas for what to do after dark:

Beach party (Luau) at Second Beach

Usually on Mondays — and sometimes Thursdays — there’s a luau party at the Second Beach. It’s a laid-back event that brings together both locals and travelers, with all kinds of music.

You can bring your own drinks or buy from beach vendors. There are plenty of options, especially cocktails made with tropical fruits.

The party starts late, around midnight, after the bars and restaurants close, and it often goes on until sunrise.

Jam session at Universo Pol Bamboo Hostel

On Tuesdays, there’s live music in the forest at Universo Pol Bamboo Hostel. The jam session is open to the public and brings together local musicians for a really special night.

There’s craft beer, cocktails, and vegan food. The hostel is about a 10-minute walk from the village center, at the end of Fonte Grande Street.

Teatro do Morro

The village’s old theater has been transformed into an event space. Teatro do Morro has two stages (a main one and an alternative one) and usually charges an entrance fee.

You’ll find concerts, performances, and all kinds of shows there. On Wednesday nights there are usually the most popular parties, often going until sunrise.

The theater is located at the top of Mangaba Hill, and getting there involves climbing a staircase with nearly 200 steps.

Toca do Morcego

The restaurant, bar, and club Toca do Morcego opens daily from 4:30 pm. You can go for sunset drinks, or later for the party. Electronic music usually starts around 11 pm and goes into the early hours — it’s one of the most popular nightlife spots in Morro de São Paulo.

Mama Iate Club

Mama Iate Club also operates daily as a restaurant and is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Morro. It’s located on the way to Gamboa Beach and isn’t accessible on foot at high tide or at night, so you’ll need to go by boat.

When you buy a ticket, round-trip boat transportation is included. Boats depart from Morro’s pier, and schedules depend on the event. Just show your ticket to the staff at the dock.

The venue hosts major parties and concerts with well-known Brazilian artists. You can check their schedule on Instagram. Personally, I think it’s the best club in Morro de São Paulo.

Aureliano Lima Square

Aureliano Lima Square is right in the heart of the village. It’s surrounded by restaurants, bars, tour agencies, souvenir shops, craft stalls, and even a few larger stores like Subway and Havaianas.

This is where everything happens, and it’s always busy. Sitting on a bench, grabbing a snack, and people-watching might sound simple, but it’s honestly one of my favorite things to do in Morro de São Paulo.

Still have questions about things to do in Morro de São Paulo? Drop them in the comments!

Text written by Bárbara Nicoli, experienced traveler and contributor to the Janelas Abertas blog.

Photo credits: Unsplash/Creative Commons and Bárbara Nicoli (shared for publication on Janelas Abertas).