Moreré
Boipeba, Bahia, Brazil
Moreré is a small fishing village and beach on Boipeba island off the Bahia coast in Brazil, where coconut palms lean out over calm, shallow water. No cars run anywhere on the island, so getting here is part of the trip, a boat over from the mainland followed by a walk or a slow ride on a tractor taxi. Sunrise draws a small, loyal crowd.
It's the kind of beach village people come back to for the pace alone, calm water and a real fishing community, but reaching it takes real effort between the boat and the river crossing.
How we score beachesThe tractor taxis that shuttle people along the island's sand roads are worth the small fare over the walk, especially with the river crossing partway there. Ask locally about the tide before setting out on foot.
Boipeba has no cars at all. Reach the island by speedboat from Valença, then walk the coastal trail through Boca da Barra and Tassimirim to Moreré, fording the Rio Oritibe partway, or take a tractor taxi or quad bike from the village center instead.
The walking route is sand and dirt trail with a river ford that's only passable at low tide, not workable for strollers or wheelchairs. The tractor taxi is the easier option for anyone who'd struggle with the walk.
The dry season from roughly September through February makes the walking route more reliable, though low tide timing for the river crossing matters more than the season on any given day. Water stays warm year round this far up the Bahia coast.
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