Ilha de Tinharé Island

Address: Morro de São Paulo, Ilha de Tinharé, Cairu, Bahia, Brazil

Hours: Accessible year‑round

Admission: Catamaran and ferry fares vary by operator (approx R$50-R$150 one-way from Salvador)

Ilha de Tinharé is an island in the state of Bahia, Brazil, that contains the popular coastal village of Morro de São Paulo. The island is a major regional tourist destination noted for its beaches and coastal tourism infrastructure.

The island’s main attraction is Morro de São Paulo, which provides hotels, restaurants and beach access; several named beaches on the island are used for swimming, snorkeling and day trips. Numbered beaches - commonly called First, Second, Third and Fourth Beaches - are the island’s primary recreational shoreline areas.

Tinharé developed as a coastal settlement during the colonial period and expanded in the 20th and 21st centuries as tourism to Bahia’s islands grew, with infrastructure geared toward short-stay visitors.

Part of the Cairu municipality in southern Bahia, the island lies off Brazil’s northeast coast and sits close to Ilha de Boipeba and other islands of the Cairu archipelago.

• Beaches and village: Home to the well-known village of Morro de São Paulo and several numbered beaches commonly referred to as First through Fourth Beaches, used for swimming, sunbathing and water activities.
• Access: Reached primarily by boat and ferry services from the mainland port of Valença and other regional ports; regular passenger boats serve visitors and residents.

What to See#

• Morro de São Paulo: The main tourist village on the island and the hub for accommodation, restaurants and boat connections to the mainland and neighbouring islands.

Regular catamarans and ferries run from Salvador to Morro de São Paulo (journeys take around 2 hours by catamaran). Alternatively, private boats and small planes (to nearby airstrips) are options in high season; check operators’ schedules in advance.

• Book the early catamaran from Salvador to Morro de São Paulo to avoid afternoon seas and to secure better accommodation options on arrival.
• Morro de São Paulo has a vehicle‑free center; be prepared to walk or use horse carts for luggage transfers.
• Avoid Carnaval unless a big party is the aim - the island becomes extremely crowded and prices spike.