This calm beach town on Brazil's Discovery Coast has cobblestone streets and 16th-century Portuguese churches near five white-sand beaches with warm waters.
Arraial d'Ajuda is a coastal town in southern Bahia where you can walk from red-clay cliffs at Pitinga Beach to streets filled with samba music. Watch local bands perform at outdoor bars along Rua do Mucugê, swim in calm waters protected by offshore reefs, or join a boat trip to spot humpback whales between June and November.
Getting to Arraial d'Ajuda
Fly into Porto Seguro Airport and take the ferry across the Buranhém River. Ferries depart every 30 minutes from 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM. From the ferry terminal, minivans and taxis run to the town center. The minivans follow regular routes between the ferry, beaches, and town center throughout the day.
Beaches Along the Coast
Several beaches line the coast north to south. At Praia do Mucugê, closest to town, local vendors grill fresh seafood and serve coconut water from beachfront stalls. Families often choose Pitinga Beach for its gentle waves and wide shoreline beneath red and white cliffs. Walk 20 minutes from town to reach Praia de Taipe, a quiet stretch of sand where you might see only a handful of other visitors. During low tide, you can walk along the beach all the way to Trancoso.
Rua do Mucugê and Town Center
On Rua do Mucugê, the main street, bands start playing samba and forró music at sunset. People dance in the streets while cafes serve Brazilian coffee and warm pão de queijo (cheese bread). Local artisans set up stalls selling handmade jewelry and crafts from the region.
Things to Do
At Arraial Eco Park near Praia dos Coqueiros, you'll find water slides and wave pools, plus activities like tree climbing and rappelling. Take a boat to Ilha dos Aquários to snorkel among parrotfish, sea turtles, and rays. Longer catamaran trips reach the Abrolhos Archipelago. From June to November, join whale watching tours to see humpbacks during their migration.
Weather and Seasons
The temperature stays around 25°C (77°F) throughout the year. Plan beach activities and snorkeling between January and March when skies are clear and seas are calm. November brings short but intense afternoon rain showers, though mornings typically stay clear - perfect for early beach visits.
