Taipu de Fora natural pools

The Taipu de Fora natural pools are the postcard image of the Maraú Peninsula. At low tide, the line of reefs off Taipu de Fora beach is exposed and holds pools of clear, shallow water. INEMA, Bahia’s environment agency, lists the “natural pools” among the beauties of the Camamu Bay protected area.

When to go

Everything depends on low tide. Before you set out:

1. Open the Brazilian Navy tide tables and look up the time of the day’s low tide.
2. Prefer days with a very low tide (smaller heights in the table).
3. Arrive a little before low tide and leave when the tide starts to come in.

The step-by-step guide is in low tide and natural pools.

Getting there

Taipu de Fora is on the peninsula’s Atlantic coast, south of Barra Grande. Visitors staying in Barra Grande usually go by transfer, quad bike or 4x4 along the sand and dirt roads; check the current options with your accommodation.

Taking care of the corals

• Do not step on the corals: walk on the sand and the open stretches.
• Wear water shoes, which protect your feet without scraping the reef.
• Do not feed the fish and do not take anything out of the water.
• Use a sunscreen that does not leave a film on the water, or wear UV-protective clothing.