Schooner to Ilha dos Frades: Day Sail from Salvador’s Nautical Terminal
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with basic mobility—requires boarding a small boat and walking on sand and stairs to the chapel.
Overview
Board a traditional escuna at Salvador’s Nautical Terminal and cross the Bay of All Saints to Ilha dos Frades for five hours of warm water, snorkeling, and a chapel with a panoramic view. This eight-hour day sail blends easy boat travel with simple island pleasures—bring cash for island fees and reef-safe sunscreen.
Schooner to Ilha dos Frades: Day Sail from Salvador’s Nautical Terminal
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You step off the cobblestones of Salvador’s Nautical Terminal with salt on your lips and the city already shrinking behind a spray of sea. The escuna—an open-deck schooner with wooden benches and a low boom—slides away from the Fort of São Marcelo, and the skyline of Pelourinho, the Bonfim church cross on the peninsula, and the bulwarks of Monte Serrat recede into the curved mouth of Baía de Todos os Santos.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring cash for island fees
Entry to Ilha dos Frades and some local vendors only accept cash—carry local currency and small bills.
Book at least 12 hours ahead
Reservations close 12 hours before departure; plan to secure tickets early, especially on weekends and holidays.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
The sun over the bay is strong during the crossing and while on the beach—protect skin and carry a sun-protective layer.
Bring a small waterproof bag
Keep phone, documents and cash dry while boarding and during swims; a light dry sack or ziplock works well.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- bottlenose dolphins
- frigatebirds and herons
History
The island served as a colonial waypoint within the Bay of All Saints; the chapel reflects maritime devotion from Portuguese-era settlement.
Conservation
Visitors are asked to avoid removing coral, minimize single-use plastics, and support local vendors to keep tourism sustainable.
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Adventure Hotspots in Salvador
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and local marine life during long sun exposure on the deck and beach.
summer specific
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps valuables dry during boarding, swimming, and on the open deck.
Snorkel mask (personal)
Personal mask ensures fit and hygiene for optional snorkeling over shallow reefs.
summer specific
Quick-dry towel or sarong
Lightweight for sunbathing, rinsing off, and sitting on warm sand.