Morro de São Paulo: Planning a Trip

None of the addresses in Morro de São Paulo have street numbers, but there are only a handful of streets and locals are very helpful with directions. For visitor information stop by the CIT (Central de Informações Turisticas), Praça Aureliano Lima s/n (tel. 075/3652-1083). This office can assist you with accommodations and transportation as well as book excursions. It also has a number of Internet terminals and doubles as the post office. An excellent website on the area is www.morrodesaopaulo.com.br.

Getting There

By Car -- As no cars are allowed on the island, drivers will have to leave their vehicles in Valença, the nearest city to the island.

By Bus -- From Salvador, Viação Camurujipe (tel. 075/3642-3280) runs a daily service to Valença (approximately 4 hr.). From Valença there are at least two ferry options: the regular service, Bio Tur (tel. 075/3652-1062), takes about 2 hours and costs R$4 (US$2/£1). The fast ferry, Atobás (tel. 075/3641-3011), costs R$10 (US$5/£2.70) and takes 45 minutes. In high season you will find a number of other boats offering transportation.

By Catamaran -- The most direct route to Morro de São Paulo is via the catamaran departing from downtown Salvador; the Terminal Maritimo do Mercado Modelo is just across the street from the Mercado Modelo. There are several daily departures: 8:30am, Lancha Ilhabela (tel. 071/9118-2393 or 071/9132-8262); 1:30pm, Catamarã Farol do Morro (tel. 071/3319-4570); and at 9am and 2pm, Catamarã Biotur (tel. 071/3641-3327). Each costs R$50 (US$25/£14) and takes about 2 hours. The boats return from Morro de São Paulo at 9am (Farol do Morro), 11:30am (Biotur), and 2pm (Ilhabela). Note that the sea can get rough, and voyagers on this boat often get seasick.

By Plane -- The quickest way to get to Morro de São Paulo is to fly. Both Addey (tel. 071/3377-1993) and Aerostar (tel. 071/3377-4406).

Special Events

For New Year's and Carnaval book a few months ahead. Most pousadas work with 5-night packages, and prices rise significantly. It's also when the island fills to capacity and even beyond.

Fast Facts

There are no banks in Morro de São Paulo, but there is one Banco do Brasil ATM. It is a good idea to bring some extra cash just in case the ATM doesn't work. Most pousadas and restaurants accept credit cards. In a pinch, they will also exchange small-denomination U.S. dollars ($10s and $20s).