Schooner Day Cruise to Ilha dos Frades and Itaparica from Salvador, Bahia
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for light to moderate activity; no special fitness required but able to board small ladders and walk short sandy paths
Overview
Set sail from Salvador for an eight‑hour schooner cruise through Baía de Todos os Santos to Ilha dos Frades and Itaparica. Swim in Blue Flag waters, explore a small island village, and sample coastal Bahian culture on a relaxed, family‑friendly day trip.
Schooner Day Cruise to Ilha dos Frades and Itaparica from Salvador, Bahia
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You step aboard a wooden schooner at the Pier in Salvador as the city’s colonial skyline recedes and the bay opens like a living map. The wind takes hold of your hat and the Atlantic answers with a steady chop; vendors' voices and traffic noises fade, replaced by the hush of open water and an occasional saxophone drifting in from the island docks. The schooner slides through Baía de Todos os Santos—All Saints Bay—its dark hull tracing a route used by fishermen and traders for centuries.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen and a hat
Palm oil and oxybenzone-free sunscreen protects coral and keeps you comfortable under Bahia’s strong sun.
Carry small cash for fees and vendors
Environmental fees and local vendors on the islands often accept only cash; bring small bills in BRL.
Pack a light dry bag
Keep your phone, documents, and a spare layer dry while you swim or enjoy watersports.
Consider seasickness prevention
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication or use acupressure bands before departure—open bay conditions can be choppy.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- brown booby and frigatebird sightings over the bay
- tropical reef fish when snorkeling, such as parrotfish and sergeant majors
History
Baía de Todos os Santos is Brazil’s largest bay; its islands and ports were strategic to colonial trade, sugar plantations, and Afro‑Brazilian cultural development.
Conservation
Ilha dos Frades’ Blue Flag status reflects local efforts to maintain water quality and services; visitors are asked to avoid single‑use plastics and not disturb coral or marine life.
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Adventure Hotspots in Salvador
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Swimsuit and quick‑dry towel
Essential for swimming and sunbathing during island stops.
summer specific
Reef‑safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the bay’s coral ecosystems.
Water shoes
Useful for rocky shores, short climbs to viewpoints, and entering shallow reefs.
Dry bag (small)
Keeps valuables dry while you snorkel or on deck.