To really get away from it all (as if the rest of Bahia wasn't relaxed enough) consider the ultimate beach holiday in Morro de São Paulo. Located on an island only accessible by boat or plane, this small beachside village is blissfully isolated - no cars, no motorcycles, no traffic lights or city noise and definitely no McDonald's. The main mode of transportation is your feet; wheelbarrows double as taxis transporting everything from luggage to food and drinks for the evening beach party.

300 years ago, French and Dutch pirates sailed the waters below the hill that gives the Morro its name in search of booty. Centuries have passed, and today the ruins of the 16th-century São Paulo Fort try in vain to ward off the invasion of foreigners who come not for pillage, but for the enchantment of the tropics. They are tourists, not pirates, in search of sunny beaches, a little piece of paradise, a place to get away from it all somewhere south of the Equator. Morro de São Paulo is a destination with international flare, surrounded by lush green forests, crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, home to an amazing array of multicolored fauna. Today there is an eclectic mix of people on the Morro, international jet setters, hippies, Brazilian yuppies, beach bums, the local inhabitants and of course conventional tourists.

Landing point on the island is at the ruins of the Dutch colonial fort, from where a steep uphill trail takes you from the docks to the main village which consists of only a handful of sand-covered streets. From the main square, the main sand-covered street leads down to the beaches. From here onwards you just walk along the beach. The one at the bottom of the main street is called First beach (Primeira Praia), followed by Second beach (Segunda Praia), Third beach (Terceira Praia), and so on. The island itself is still lush and green and the beaches vary from busy and fun to quieter or almost deserted.

There are many good restaurants and handicraft stores in the village. The Island is host to kilometers of pristine beaches, fringed with palm trees, calm crystalline waters with great swimming and snorkeling. Best for swimming are the Third and Fourth beaches while the busiest is the Second with many beach huts and particularly busy nightlife. Days are quiet and peaceful, nights bustling with a myriad of beach huts partying into the night.

1- Depart Salvador - Arrival in Morro de São Paulo
Maritime Package: Meet and greet at the hotel or airport in Salvador. At about 01:00pm, transfer to the pier in Salvador where you’ll embark at 02:00pm the catamaran to Morro de São Paulo (approximately 2 hour trip). Arrival in Morro de São Paulo, where you’ll be welcomed. Walking transfer to your pousada, check in and accommodation.

Aerial Package: Meet and greet at the hotel or airport in Salvador. If staying in a hotel, transfer to the airport. Between 10:00am and 02:00pm, boarding for the short flight to Morro de São Paulo (approximately 20 minutes on small regional aircraft). Arrival in Morro de São Paulo, where you’ll be welcomed. Transfer to your pousada, check in and accommodation.

The small village of Morro de São Paulo is located 65 km (40 miles) southwest of Salvador City, on the north tip of Tinharé island Morro de São Paulo is one of the villages on Tinharé island, which together with Boipeba, Cairu and 23 other smaller islands make up the municipality of Cairu, the only one in Brazil which is spread over an archipelago.

2- Morro de São Paulo
At leisure. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Morro de São Paulo. Among the islands main activities are diving, windsurfing and fishing. You can also go hiking up through the mountains if you are feeling adventurous. Most of the nightlife is located along the main street, where there are no shortage of bars and restaurants, and there are also regular beach parties at night. There is a permanent flea market at the main square where you can buy souvenirs and gifts.

3- Morro de São Paulo
At leisure. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Morro de São Paulo. Another outing not to be missed is a boat ride around the island, during which visitors will discover unforgettable scenery. For those who like to hike, there are trails and climbs that eventually take you to the beaches.

4- Depart Morro de São Paulo - Arrival in Salvador - Next City
Maritime Package: After breakfast, walking transfer to the pier in Morro de São Paulo, where you'll embark at 11:30am the catamaran to Salvador (approximately 2 hour trip). Reception at the pier in Salvador and transfer to your hotel or the airport. Homebound flight or proceed to your next destination.

Aerial Package: After breakfast you'll have time to relax or explore the town. At proper time, check-out and transfer to the airport in Morro de São Paulo, where you'll board for the short flight back to Salvador (approximately 20 minutes on small regional aircraft). If staying in Salvador, reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Otherwise, homebound flight or proceed to your next destination.

Land-Only prices in US-Dollars per person in double occupancy (single supplement available), including:

• Maritime Package: Private roundtrip transfer Hotel or Airport SSA in Salvador/Pier in Salvador/Hotel or Airport SSA in Salvador featuring air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking guide. Maritime transfer Pier in Salvador/Pier in Morro de São Paulo/Pier in Salvador by regular catamaran without guide. Reception at the Pier in Morro de São Paulo, luggage handling and walking transfer to your pousada with English speaking guide.

• Aerial Package: Private roundtrip transfer Hotel in Salvador/Airport SSA in Salvador/Hotel in Salvador featuring air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking guide. Aerial transfer Airport SSA in Salvador/Airport MSP in Morro de São Paulo/Airport SSA in Salvador by regular air taxi service (light twin engined aircraft) without guide. Reception at the airport in Morro de São Paulo, luggage handling and transfer to your pousada with English speaking guide.

• Accommodation in the pousada of your choice.

• Daily Brazilian buffet breakfast, unless indicated above.

• Meals as per description (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).

• Hotel taxes.

-> To reduce or extend number of nights in this package, simply click on the hotel of your choice and check the desired period.

To receive more information, please email us at office@opcotours.com.