Let's be honest: are you expecting epic barrels in Morro de São Paulo? I have to tell you, this isn't that kind of surf spot. But if you're looking for the perfect place to learn, catch gentle longboard waves, and escape to a car-free island paradise, then you've absolutely found the right place.
Why Morro de São Paulo?
Morro de São Paulo is a unique destination where the main goal is relaxation, not high-performance surfing. Its value comes from the 4 main beaches, each with a different vibe, offering warm, clear water and mellow waves perfect for getting your feet in the wax for the first time. It's a surf trip focused on fun, not ferocity.
→ The island occasionally picks up small southeast swells, primarily in the winter months (June-August).
↳ These gentle swells create small, slow-moving waves on the island's most exposed beaches.
Getting There & Getting Around
Getting to this car-free island is part of the adventure. There are no roads connecting it to the mainland. Your journey starts from Salvador.
Once on the island, everything is walkable. "Taxis" are wheelbarrows used by locals to carry your luggage to your hotel, which is an experience you won't forget.
→ Fly into Salvador International Airport (SSA). From there, get a taxi to the Terminal Marítimo in front of the Mercado Modelo.
↳ The most common way to the island is a 2.5-hour catamaran ferry, which costs about $28 USD / 150 BRL one-way.
When to Surf
Don't chase a specific swell here. The best time to try surfing is during the winter season from June to August when small pulses create knee-to-waist-high waves. The water temperature stays around a warm 78°F (26°C) all year. The best tide is usually a mid to high tide to maximize the small wave size.
Surf Breaks
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Primeira Praia (First Beach): This is the most consistent spot on the island. The wave is a very slow, shallow beach break, ideal for your first time on a board. Several vendors rent foam boards right on the sand.
→ Level: Beginner -
Quarta Praia (Fourth Beach): A long, beautiful beach with natural pools at low tide. When a small swell hits, it can create gentle, rolling longboard waves far from any crowds.
→ Level: Beginner -
Praia da Gamboa: Located in the neighboring village, a short walk or boat ride away. It offers similarly mellow, sandy-bottom waves and is often even less crowded than the main beaches.
→ Level: Beginner
Where to Stay (Hotels)
→ Hotels are located across the numbered beaches; Second Beach is lively while Third and Fourth are quieter.
Budget ($)
Che Lagarto Hostel Morro de São Paulo: Dorm beds start around $20 USD / 110 BRL. It's a classic backpacker spot, known for being social, clean, and perfectly located on Second Beach.
Mid-Range ($$)
Pousada Bahia Bacana: Rates are approximately $80 USD / 440 BRL per night. This hotel offers a beautiful pool and comfortable rooms right on the tranquil Third Beach.
Luxury ($$$)
Patachocas: Expect to pay around $165 USD / 900 BRL per night. Located on the serene Quarta Praia, this resort features massive beachfront bungalows, a huge pool, and premium amenities for a relaxing escape.
Food & Drink
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Local Beer: Grab an ice-cold Brahma or Skol, classic Brazilian lagers. It’ll cost about $2.20 USD / 12 BRL at a popular spot.
→ For the best sunset view with your drink, head to Toca do Morcego, a lounge bar famous for its incredible clifftop location. -
Local Lunch: You can't leave Bahia without trying Moqueca, a rich fish and shrimp stew with coconut milk and dendê oil. A portion for two costs around $30 USD / 165 BRL.
→ Restaurante da Rosa on Segunda Praia serves a fantastic, authentic version with your feet in the sand.