All Saints Bay is the huge natural harbour that gave Salvador its reason to exist, and one of the nicest ways to appreciate it is to get out on the water. The classic outing is a boat trip from the nautical terminal beside the Mercado Modelo to the islands in the bay: the small, green Ilha dos Frades, known for calm, clear shallows and a slow island pace, and Itaparica, the largest island in the bay, which has its own beaches, seafront villages and a long colonial history. Trips of this kind are usually run on traditional-style schooners, with music on board, a stop to swim and a few hours on land, and they return in the late afternoon so you are back in the city before dark. The appeal is the contrast. Salvador is intense, loud and hilly, and the islands are the opposite: quiet water, palm trees, simple beach restaurants and almost no traffic. On the way out you get a view back at the city that is hard to find any other way, with the Lacerda Elevator and the cliff of the upper city rising behind the harbour, and the old São Marcelo Fort sitting on its sandbank close to the shore. Many people say the view of the skyline from the bay is the highlight of the day, and the sail itself is as much of the experience as the beaches.
A boat trip like this is a good fit for a rest day. You are not expected to do anything except sit, swim and eat, which makes it a useful counterweight to a few days of walking steep streets in Pelourinho. Expect a group of travellers from different hotels, a guide or crew member who speaks a little English, and a loose schedule built around the tide and the weather.
Departure is typically in the morning and the return in the late afternoon, but the start time, the stops and the length of each stop differ between operators, so read the details when you reserve.
Check what is included before you go. On trips of this type, lunch and drinks on the island are often paid separately, and there can be small extra charges for things like beach chairs or a terminal fee, so bring some cash in small notes. The trip has a solid but not flawless review record, and the usual complaints on boat days in any destination are crowding, delays and food that is only average, so go with relaxed expectations and an eye on recent traveller reviews.
Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, take reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a light cover-up, and carry a waterproof pouch for your phone. If you get seasick, take a remedy before boarding, as the bay can be choppy on windy days. The best time to go is on a clear, calm day in the drier months, and it is wise to keep a flexible day in your plan in case a trip is moved because of weather.
It combines well with a morning in Pelourinho the day before and a quiet evening in Barra afterwards. Keep valuables to a minimum on board and on the beach, and take only what you will use. If you are comparing it with the longer Morro de São Paulo outing, remember that this one is shorter, closer and much easier to fit into a three-day visit.
What to expect
The experience
A guided group boat trip across All Saints Bay with a swim stop at the Ilha dos Frades and time on Itaparica, usually with music on board.
Best time
A clear, calm day in the drier months, when the water is flat and the views back to the city are at their best.
How long
A full day, typically a morning departure and a late-afternoon return, so check the exact times when you reserve.
Tips
Bring cash for lunch and extras, wear a swimsuit under your clothes, protect yourself from the sun and take a seasickness remedy if you need one.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a beach day without a long road transfer, and anyone who enjoys seeing a city from the water.
- Families
- Children usually enjoy the boat and the shallow water, but check the age and life-jacket policy and keep a close eye on them on deck.
- Couples
- A slow, scenic day with a swim and a sunset-coloured sail back, easy to pair with dinner in Barra.
- Pair with
- The Lacerda Elevator and Mercado Modelo before departure, or a quiet evening at Porto da Barra afterwards.
- Time needed
- A full day, from the morning meeting time to the late-afternoon return.
Good questions
Where do the boats leave from?+
Trips of this kind normally depart from the nautical terminal in the Comércio district, next to the Mercado Modelo. Confirm the exact meeting point and time when you reserve.
Is lunch included?+
It varies between operators. Lunch and drinks on the island are often paid separately, so check what is included and carry some cash.
What should I bring?+
A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, a light cover-up, a waterproof pouch for your phone and some small notes for extras. Take a seasickness remedy if you are prone to it.
Is it suitable for children?+
Many families go, as the water around the islands is generally calm and shallow. Check the operator's policy on young children and life jackets before you reserve.
What happens if the weather is bad?+
Boat trips can be changed or cancelled in rough conditions. Keep a flexible day in your plan and check the cancellation terms when you reserve.
