Cacao Coast, Bahia
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Positives
- Consistent windswells
- Easy beginner waves
- Boca de Barra long rides
- Less crowded hiking spots
- Eco-friendly Brazil
Negatives
- Rarely epic
- Crowded main breaks
- Rainy autumn/winter
- Distant airports
- Long hikes
Cacao Coast, Bahia surf travel guide
The overwhelming image of Brazil is Carnival and Salvador de Bahia undoubtedly hosts the most intense one. Surfers in the mid ‘70’s searching the coast from Salvador found out about Itacaré, lying 300km (188mi) south. It’s the Bahia State capital, set amidst the Atlantic rain forest, where an abundance of juicy, warm-water beachbreaks, reefbreaks and an amazingly long rivermouth right. Early travellers would have come across the surfing godfather "Old Joaquim", who befriended every surfer and told many tales under moonlight before Itacaré became a renowned backpacker town.
Surf spots in Cacao Coast, Bahia
Research the 18 surf breaks in Cacao Coast, Bahia and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 18 breaks in Cacao Coast, Bahia.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Cacao Coast, Bahia
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 6,621,000
- Population
- 212,559,417
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- BRL
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.9 BRL BRL
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +55
- Dialing out
- 0014
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- Portuguese
Electricity
- Plug Type
- n
Visas
Visa free travel for nearly all nationalities for stays of up to 90 days.
Getting There
No visa. The closest airport is Ilhéus (IOS) only 70km (44mi) or 2h by bus from Itacaré. Most int’l flights hit Rio (GIG), São Paulo (GRU), or Salvador da Bahia (SSA). A r/t GIG - IOS starts at $250, if bought in Brazil. By bus, it takes 23h ($65). From SSA, it’s 7h by ‘nibus’ Leito Executivo (bus) and costs $18. Even from SSA, it is necessary to go to IOS first.
Getting Around
A rental car isn’t strictly necessary; use buses for long distance and local taxis. To get to the beaches, ask a ‘pousada’ for transport, rides cost $3-5. Easydrop, Lawrence’s and Hawaii Aqui have 4WD jeeps. Walking through jungle to breaks means hiking shoes and backpacks are vital.
Accommodation
Three lodging areas: Tiririca, Caminho da Praia (Beachway) or in town. Easydrop (2 weeks package: $859) is the main operator for beginners who stay in Pousada Belfort or Pousada Ilha Verde. Try Lawrence’s Surf House, Hawaii Aqui or Sao José Eco resort ($120). Lots of natural food - a hot meal with beans, rice and salad is ±$4.
Activities
The Contas River is great for rafting. Outdoor sports like canoeing, ecobike, rappel or trekking are easy to do with specialised guides. Capoeira is big! September 9th-29th St Michael's Festivity is good. During New Year and Carnival, streets are filled with axÍ and beer, bands play all night long, while people dance and party hard.
Hazards & hassles
While mosquitoes don't transmit malaria, there have been some dengue fever related cases. Beware the "beach-rats" - keep valuables hidden. Don’t walk at night in cities like Ilheus or Bahia. Crowds occur at Tiririca and Corails but this shore is one of the less disputed in Brazil. High summer season is super-busy; avoid it.
Handy Hints
A longboard would be great for Boca da Barra and a gun unnecessary. Since boards in Brazil are cheap and good quality, buy one there. Kalay, Easydrop shaper, sells shortboards for $350 and longboards for $480. Boards, leash, wax and lycra shirts can be hired for $5 /day. If not included, transfer services from Ilheus to Itacaré cost $20.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.