Barra Grande and the Maraú Peninsula: travel guide

About 66 km from Itacaré, the Maraú Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places in Bahia. On one side, the open ocean with natural pools and deserted beaches; on the other, Camamu Bay, with islands, mangroves and calm water. The sandy village of Barra Grande is the peninsula's main gateway.

Getting there takes a little planning, which is exactly what keeps the place so peaceful. Here is how to get there and what to do.

How to get to Barra Grande

By boat from Camamu (the easiest option)

The most common route is to drive to Camamu, a town on the bay, and cross by boat. Speedboats take about 30 minutes to Barra Grande, while slower traditional boats take up to 1h30. There are frequent departures throughout the day until late afternoon. Many travelers leave their car in one of Camamu's parking lots.

From Itacaré, Camamu is about an hour's drive. There are also buses linking Camamu to Itacaré, Ilhéus and the Bom Despacho terminal on Itaparica Island, for those coming from Salvador by ferry.

By car, on the dirt road

You can also drive via the BR-030, which includes about 45 km of dirt road to Barra Grande. In dry weather, the drive is manageable, but in the rain the road can become very muddy and difficult. Check road conditions before setting off.

By plane

The nearest airport is Ilhéus. From Salvador, there are also small aircraft flights to the Barra Grande airstrip.

What to do on the Maraú Peninsula

Taipu de Fora natural pools

The peninsula's postcard. At low tide, the reefs form crystal clear pools full of colorful fish, perfect for snorkeling. Check the tide table: the pools are best at the lowest tides, especially around new and full moons.

Sunset at Ponta do Mutá

At the northern tip of the peninsula, where the ocean meets the bay, Ponta do Mutá has calm water, beach kiosks and one of the most beautiful sunsets in the region. At low tide, you can walk there from the Barra Grande pier.

Cassange lagoon

A freshwater lagoon separated from the sea by a strip of sand. It is great for swimming, kayaking and stand up paddle, with a very photogenic setting in the late afternoon.

Deserted beaches: Algodões, Saquaíra and Cassange

Further away, these beaches offer long stretches of sand and very few people. Ideal if you are looking for peace and quiet.

Island hopping in Camamu Bay

Boat tours explore the bay's islands, villages and rivers, with swimming stops and, on some routes, a visit to the Tremembé waterfall, which falls close to the sea.

Quad bikes and the Bromeliad Trail

Renting a quad bike is one of the most fun ways to get around the peninsula and reach places cars cannot, such as the Bromeliad Trail (Trilha das Bromélias), between Taipu de Fora and the Cassange lagoon.

Day trip from Itacaré

If you are staying in Itacaré and only have one day, a good option is a speedboat tour of Camamu Bay with a stop at Taipu de Fora. But the peninsula deserves more time: spending a few days lets you catch the right tides and enjoy the sunsets at a relaxed pace.

Where to stay on the Maraú Peninsula

Barra Grande has most of the restaurants and services, while Taipu de Fora faces the natural pools. For families and groups, a vacation home offers space, privacy and comfort.

Maison Luar manages high end homes in Itacaré and on the Maraú Peninsula. Contact our team on WhatsApp to find out which options are available for your trip, or explore our homes.

Address

Itacaré - BA

Contacts

+55 73 999 537865
conciergerie.luar@gmail.com