Things to Do

Boipeba offers, first and foremost, an opportunity to relax. Some visitors are quite content to lay in their hammocks enjoying a book and some fresh fruit after a morning walk and swim at the beach.

In the evening the village comes alive with artists selling their wares in the praça (plaza), restaurants and bars offering a variety of foods (ranging from local traditional dishes such as moqueca-a coconut milk fish stew, to Italian, Indonesian, and vegetarian cuisines) and drinks, most often accompanied with Reggae music.

For those who wish to explore the island there are a number of passeios (day trips) by boat, horse or on foot. You may visit other villages, relax at one of many spectacular beaches, go snorkeling, and taste fresh oysters and ice cold beer on the floating oyster bars.

The Beaches: Closest to the village is the river beach which is popular with Boipeban children and families-especially on Sunday afternoon. Boca da Barra begins in front of the barracas where the river meets the ocean and continues to what is sometimes called Outeiro beach on the sea.

These beaches (especially heading towards the point) have mild surf and can be great for swimming and exploring tide pools. Outeiro beach in particular is well known for its long soft sandy bottom where one can walk 50 meters into the ocean and still be wading in clear warm water.

After a short and beautiful walk through the forest, one arrives at Tasimirim beach. Continuing Southward a long stretch of gorgeous beach with surfable waves appears; this is called Cueira. Nearby also are Bainema, Morere, Guapua-all unique in their offerings.

Artists selling their work, ice cream and popsicle venders, cheese roasters, small children selling their mother’s cocadas (coconut sweets), as well as sweet and savory pastries, roam the river beach. The barracas themselves offer a variety of fresh seafood and coconuts to drink from.

Capoeira circles take place in the praça several nights a week and visitors can participate in the circles or take private classes.

Yoga classes are available and taught in both English and Portuguese, as is massage which is offered on the beach or in the privacy of your room.

One can see how the dende (palm) oil and farina (a Bahian staple) are made, and visit the museum of Tavinho Cabelo, a man who collects all things from the sea. We have a small library which often is open at night.

On the 2nd of February, there is a celebration for Iemenjá, goddess of the ocean. Boats follow the priests and priestesses of candomblé out to the sea and make their offerings to her. On the return there is drumming, dancing, swimming, drinking, and feasting.

There is a small bit of shopping here-a few stores offer clothing, bikinis, sarongs, hats, and touristy items. A couple of stores sell handmade clothes, jewelry, and wood products made by local artisans and there are also a variety of hand-woven baskets, lamp shades, and hats.

No doubt, there is plenty here in Boipeba to do-or not to do.