Marau Peninsula

The Marau Peninsula is a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Camamu Bay, the third largest bay in Brazil. It is about 3½ hours south of Salvador overland, and a 45 minute plane ride. The landscape is characterised by pristine beaches, coconut groves, Atlantic forest reserves, mangroves and traditional communities of fishermen and boat builders. It is a beautiful place to relax, gain an insight into traditional coastal life, and escape from the more crowded beaches found further north.

The base for this extension is the Pousada Lagoa do Cassange, a 13 cabana pousada sandwiched between the ocean and a lake. Two full day tours are included accompanied by an English speaking guide. The first tour visits some of the islands of Camamu Bay by boat, including the boat building community of Cajaiba and the strange eroded rock formations of Ilha Pedra Furada. Lunch is served at a local fishermens restaurant, with freshly caught seafood a speciality. The afternoon is spent visiting local fishing communities and gaining an insight into this traditional way of life.

Spend the second day exploring the peninsula by jeep or open back truck. The highlight of the day is a snorkelling trip to the pools of Taipu de Fora. At low tide a natural pool forms between the beach and off shore reefs providing perfect conditions for snorkelling, and there are a variety of colourful fish to be seen. Lunch is at a local seafood restaurant and the afternoon is spent visiting a lighthouse for wideranging views across the peninsula and Camamu Bay, a quick dip in the Blue Lake, and a short hike into the bromeliad ‘forest’ to see metre wide bromeliads perched precariously in the trees.

Depending on onward arrangements the final morning is spent at the Pousada, perhaps with a final swim or a cold drink relaxing on a sun lounger. Then transfer back to Salvador. A transfer by light aircraft from Barra Grande to Salvador is available for an additional charge.

Trip information

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Included

Transfers, ground transport, bilingual guide.

Not included

Please consult.

Is it for you?

This is an easy trip, especially if you like spending your days in swim suits and flip flops!

Best time

Marau is a year round destination, but April to July are the coolest, wettest months and from October to February it is drier and hotter.

Getting there

This trip departs from Salvador da Bahia.

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
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- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny
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- Sunny
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud

Min Temp

- 23
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Max Temp

- 29
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Relax away from the tourist crowds found in the resorts close to Salvador da Bahia
Visit pristine beaches
Snorkel in emerald seas
Explore traditional villages

Itinerary

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Duration: 4 days

Day 1:
Cross by ferry to Itapirica, drive to Camamu and travel by boat to the peninsula. Pousada Lagoa do Cassange. (D)
Day 2:
Explore the islands of Camamu Bay including traditional boat building and fishing communities. Pousada Lagoa do Cassange. (B, D)
Day 3:
Spend the day snorkelling, swimming and visiting the sites on the peninsula. Pousada Lagoa do Cassange. (B, D)
Day 4:
Transfer back to Salvador. Plane transfer available for an additional supplement. (B)

Pricing guidelines for Brazil

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £700 to £900 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Brazil combines with Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands due to scheduled flights, so, for example, it makes a good beach stop after Peru or Ecuador.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
2 weeks nature & wildlife and/or beach trip, including such highlights such as rainforest, Pantanal and Iguassu Falls, plus Rio and the coastBetween £2500 and £4000
1 week Rio and Costa Verde beach holidayBetween £1500 and £2000
2½ weeks highlights of BrazilAround £3500 +

Brazil