pictures of the World:
Morro de Sao Paulo, Bahia, Brasil
17 March 2003
FIRST BEACH
SECOND BEACH
This is perhaps the most famous beach of the island. Well known especially among young people, parties go on invariably until the sun rises. The most festive beach, where everybody goes to see and to be seen.
THIRD BEACH
Rounding the corner of Ilha da Saudade, you arrive at Third Beach
FOURTH BEACH
At first sight, Fourth Beach appears to have no end. A great barrier of coral forms innumerable natural swimming pools along this beach. With only a diving mask, you will feel part of this paradise. An infinity of colorful fish don't mind sharing their habitat with visitors.
Fourth Beach is much quieter than others.
ENCANTO BEACH
Walking a little further, after crossing a mangrove swamp and a small river, is the Fifth Beach or Beach of Enchantment. Until recently, it was still considered part of Fourth beach, as well as all of the extension of beach to the source of the river that separates the island of Tinhar from the island of Boipeba.
GARAPU�
Along the way to the small neighboring island of Boipeba is the little fishing village with a marvilous inlet of calm, crystalline waters.
BOIPEBA
The small island of Tinhar� is separated by Rio do Inferno (Hell River).
PONTA DA PEDRA ("Tip of the Rock")
This beach provides access to the town of Gamboa. It is almost a 30 minute walk from the dock of Morro de Sao Paulo to the dock of Gamboa.
This area is called Tip of the Rock or beach of Gamboa by its inhabitants. The beaches are surrounded by rocks and transparent calm waters. Tip of the Rock is still considered "unspoiled", as you will not find any tents or party-goers here, only the local yacht club, where sailboats are anchored.
GAMBOA BEACH
After a 20 minute walk along the beach of the Tip of the Rock, there is the town of the Gamboa. Gamboa, until recent years seemed to be kilometers away from Morro de Sao Paulo, for there was no sign of the tourism development that was bustling in Morro de Sao Paulo. It has continued being a peaceful fishing village, without the "international" atmosphere of the neighboring town. Perhaps this is the reason why some inhabitants have moved here and built houses and inns. Although the infrastructure has developed somewhat, with good "pousadas" (inns) and restaurants and regional cuisine, the peaceful atmosphere of this fishing town is still preserved.
Many tourists who prefer the calmness choose to stay in Gamboa and go to Morro when they want action and then return to the quiet native town.
In Gamboa, the waters are calm and crystalline and the beach serene.
FORT BEACH
The Fortress Beach, named after the fortress ruins, appears only during low tide, reveals a strip of sand next to the natural swimming pools that are ideal for diving or snorkeling.
