Schooner to Serenity: Exploring Frades Island in Bahia’s Bay of All Saints
A day-sail across Baía de Todos os Santos to white sand, reef snorkeling and a chapel with a view.
The schooner slips away from Salvador’s Nautical Terminal before dawn, engines a gentle murmur under a sky still holding last night’s humidity. The city’s red-tiled roofs and baroque church towers recede; São Marcelo Fort stands like a watchful island sentinel, then the Itapagipe peninsula, Monte Serrat and the Bonfim Church—old landmarks folding into a seascape of mangroves and lagoon-blue water. On deck, tourists and locals trade excited whispers as the breeze scrubs the salt across your face. The first taste of the trip is simple and immediate: water, sky, and a coast that has been shaping lives for centuries.
Trail Wisdom
Bring your own snorkel mask
Masks and snorkel rentals are available but often ill-fitting—bring your own for comfort and better visibility of reef life.
Budget for on-site fees
Expect a Nautical Terminal boarding fee (~R$20) and an island preservation fee (~R$25); carry cash.
Choose morning departures
Mornings usually offer calmer seas and fewer crowds on the beaches and chapel overlook.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Biodegradable sunscreen reduces harm to coral and seagrass habitats—apply before boarding.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Climb to the chapel viewpoint above the island for an uninterrupted bay panorama
- •Walk the shore at low tide to find quiet sandbars and tide pools often missed by larger groups
Wildlife
parrotfish, green sea turtle
Conservation Note
The island’s Blue Flag recognition and preservation fee support beach management and sanitation; choose operators that adhere to local waste and anchoring rules to protect reefs.
Frades Island sits within Baía de Todos os Santos, an area that was central to colonial trade and defense—its forts and chapels reflect Portuguese maritime history.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: calmer seas, wildlife spotting, fewer crowds
Challenges: intermittent rain showers, variable boat schedules
Spring (Sept–Nov) often brings glassy water and comfortable temperatures—ideal for snorkeling and photography, though brief rains are possible.
summer
Best for: warmest water for swimming, long daylight, vibrant island life
Challenges: peak visitor numbers, higher temperatures
Summer (Dec–Feb) is hottest and busiest; water is inviting but expect more boats and fuller restaurants on Itaparica.
fall
Best for: sunsets from the bay, less humidity, good visibility
Challenges: occasional choppier seas, shorter daylight
Fall (Mar–May) provides steady conditions and excellent visibility for snorkeling; evenings cool slightly at the water’s edge.
winter
Best for: quieter tours, clear skies, affordable travel
Challenges: some Rainy-season swell, reduced snorkeling visibility on windy days
Winter (Jun–Aug) can be quieter with lower prices; check sea conditions as winds may stir surface chop on some days.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Mask & snorkelEssential
Your own gear ensures comfort and the best view of reefs and tropical fish.
Biodegradable sunscreenEssential
Protects both your skin and the bay’s marine ecosystems.
Light dry bagEssential
Keeps valuables and electronics safe from spray and sand.
Quick-dry towel and water shoes
Towel for drying between swims; water shoes for rocky intertidal zones and boarding.
Common Questions
How do I get to the boat departure point in Salvador?
Most tours leave from the Nautical Terminal (Terminal Náutico) in Salvador; many operators offer hotel transfers—confirm pickup when you book.
Are tours suitable for children and non-swimmers?
Yes—many families participate. Boats provide shaded seating; non-swimmers can enjoy beaches and shallow water but should stay near shore and use flotation if needed.
Is food included on the tours?
Some full-day tours include lunch (often at Itaparica); others offer optional or onboard snacks—check the tour details before booking.
Do I need to pay any fees on the island?
Yes—there is typically a municipal boarding fee at the Nautical Terminal and an island preservation entrance fee collected on arrival.
Can I snorkel from the beach?
Yes—Frades has calm, clear water and shallow reefs accessible from shore; guided snorkeling or gear rental is commonly available.
Are there restroom and shade facilities on Frades Island?
Basic facilities and small concessions exist, but bring water and protective clothing—infrastructure is modest by design to preserve the island.
What to Pack
mask & snorkel for reef viewing; biodegradable sunscreen to protect marine life; cash for local fees and snacks; lightweight cover-up for sun and chapel visits
Did You Know
Ilha dos Frades was one of the first islands in Brazil’s Northeast to receive the international Blue Flag award for beach management and water quality.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Book morning departures for calmer seas; 2) Carry small bills for terminal and island fees; 3) Bring your own snorkel mask for comfort; 4) Confirm hotel pickup when reserving a tour.
Local Flavor
Frades trips often include the flavors of Bahia—dendê-rich moquecas, acarajé sold near departure points, and live samba on some boats—offerings that pair the sea’s calm with the city’s musical heartbeat.
Logistics Snapshot
Duration: 6–8 hours • Departure: Nautical Terminal, Salvador • Fees: Terminal and island preservation fee (cash) • Best for: swimmers, families, culture-seekers • Book: advance for morning slots.
Sustainability Note
Choose operators that include the island preservation fee and follow no-anchoring zones; limit single-use plastics and use reef-safe sunscreen to minimize your footprint.