Ask Bahia
Península de Maraú
Where time flows with the tides
A hidden peninsula where sandy streets lead to infinite horizons and the ocean reveals its secrets at low tide.
Brazil's Best-Kept Secret
Tucked away on Bahia's southern coast, between the vibrant surf town of Itacaré and the bohemian charm of Trancoso, lies a peninsula that time seems to have forgotten. Península de Maraú is accessible only by boat or sandy roads that wind through coconut groves—a natural filter that keeps the crowds at bay and preserves an authenticity increasingly rare in Brazilian beach destinations.
Arriving in Barra Grande, the peninsula's main village, feels like stepping into a different era. The streets are sand, not pavement. Locals ride horses more often than cars. Fishermen still set out at dawn in painted wooden boats, and the day's catch determines the evening's menu. This is not a destination designed for tourists—it's a fishing community that happens to welcome travelers into its gentle rhythm.
What makes Maraú truly extraordinary is its relationship with the tides. Twice a day, the ocean retreats to reveal hidden worlds: natural coral pools teeming with tropical fish, vast sandbars where you can walk into the horizon, and lagoons that transform into perfect mirrors of the sky. To visit Maraú is to surrender to nature's schedule and discover the magic that unfolds when you do.
"The kind of place you whisper about, not shout."
Three Ways to Discover Maraú
Boat Tours & Natural Wonders
Private boat journeys through Camamu Bay, snorkeling in natural pools, walking on sandbars that appear with the tides.
Explore Adventures
Flavors of Bahia
Moqueca cooked in clay pots, oysters pulled from mangroves, acarajé from local Baianas, chef-driven reinventions of coastal cuisine.
Taste the Coast
Rhythms & Traditions
Capoeira circles in the village square, artisan ateliers, cacao farm heritage, the gentle pace of barefoot living.
Immerse YourselfUnforgettable Moments in Maraú
Each experience is carefully curated to reveal the authentic soul of this hidden peninsula.
Where the ocean reveals its secrets
Taipu de Fora Natural Pools
At low tide, the ocean retreats to reveal an extraordinary natural aquarium. Coral formations create crystal-clear pools teeming with tropical fish, sea stars, and gentle rays. Wade through warm, knee-deep waters as the afternoon sun illuminates this underwater wonderland. Time your visit with the tide charts—this phenomenon waits for no one, making each visit feel like a private unveiling of nature's treasures.
Navigate Brazil's hidden waterways
Camamu Bay Boat Expedition
Board a traditional wooden saveiro and navigate one of Brazil's largest bays, a labyrinth of mangrove channels, hidden islands, and emerald waters. Your captain—a local fisherman whose family has sailed these waters for generations—guides you to the ethereal Tremembé sandbanks, where at low tide you can walk on water. Lunch is prepared onboard: fresh-caught fish grilled over coals, served with farofa and ice-cold coconut water.
Walk across mirrors
Lagoa do Cassange at Low Tide
When the tide withdraws from this coastal lagoon, it leaves behind a vast expanse of shallow water that becomes a perfect mirror for the sky. Walk across this looking glass as clouds drift beneath your feet and the horizon dissolves into infinity. Photographers travel from around the world for this shot—silhouettes against painted skies, reflections that blur the line between earth and heaven.
Where river embraces sea
Sunset at Ponta do Mutá
Each evening, locals and travelers alike gather at this sacred point where the Maraú River meets the Atlantic. Find your spot on the weathered wooden pier or sink your toes into warm sand as the sun performs its nightly descent. Street vendors sell caipirinhas made with local fruits, while the sound of someone strumming a guitar drifts on the breeze. This isn't a tourist attraction—it's a community ritual.
Barefoot elegance
Barra Grande Village Evening
As twilight settles over the peninsula, Barra Grande transforms. Sandy streets—yes, the main roads are actually sand—come alive with the soft glow of candlelit restaurants and the aroma of grilling seafood. Slip off your sandals and wander between beachfront bars, boutique shops selling local crafts, and intimate dining rooms where moqueca bubbles in clay pots. The dress code is simple: feet optional, pretension forbidden.
A Taste of the Bahian Coast
From street-side acarajé to candlelit moqueca, discover the flavors that define this coastal paradise.
Moqueca by the Sea
Clay-pot fish stew with dendê oil and coconut milk, prepared as it has been for centuries.
Fresh Oysters from the Mangroves
Harvested that morning from nearby mangrove beds, served raw with lime and pimenta.
Acarajé from Local Baianas
Black-eyed pea fritters filled with vatapá and caruru, prepared by traditional Baianas.
Contemporary Bahian Tasting
Modern interpretations of coastal cuisine, featuring local ingredients and innovative techniques.
Planning Your Journey to Maraú
Everything you need to know to reach this hidden paradise.
How to Get There
- Fly into Salvador (SSA) or Ilhéus (IOS)
- 4-hour scenic drive from Salvador
- 2 hours from Ilhéus
- Final stretch by 4x4 or boat transfer
Best Time to Visit
- Dry season: September to March
- Whale watching: July to October
- Check daily low tide times
- Book ahead for peak season (Dec-Feb)
Where to Stay
- Boutique pousadas in Barra Grande
- Luxury eco-lodges on the peninsula
- Beachfront villas for groups
- We recommend 3-5 nights minimum
Continue Along the Bahia Coast
Maraú is just one jewel in a coastline full of wonders. Combine destinations for the ultimate Bahian odyssey.
Travelers' Words
"We've traveled to many beach destinations, but Maraú felt like discovering a secret. The natural pools at Taipu de Fora were unlike anything we've experienced."
Sarah & James M.
London, UK • February 2024
"The boat trip through Camamu Bay was the highlight of our Brazil trip. Our captain knew every hidden spot. Lunch on the sandbank felt like a dream."
Michael R.
San Francisco, USA • November 2023
"Finally, a place where luxury means simplicity. No crowds, no pretension, just incredible natural beauty and warm local hospitality."
Ana & Carlos V.
São Paulo, Brazil • January 2024
Common Questions About Maraú
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