Taipu de Fora Beach Guide – Marau, Bahia

Intro to Taipu de Fora Beach, Marau

Taipu de Fora has recently been rated among the top five most beautiful beaches in Brazil. This is a tough list to make, ranking it up there with the beaches of Fernando de Noronha, Ilha Grande, and Arraial do Cabo. The crystalline water and beautifully formed coral reef pools at low tide make this stretch of beach the crowned jewel of the Peninsula de Marau, but it should also be noted that the entire coastline of the peninsula is blessed with the same characteristics, albeit not as pronounced.

 

That being said, it is breathtaking in its natural beauty, and as everything in life, you’ll need to explore a little to discover what makes it so special. A short, 5 minute walk to the north or to the south, it doesn’t matter which, and you will feel a sense of smallness that comes with being completely alone on a tropical, unspoiled beach. No buildings, no cell phone signals, nobody trying to sell you stuff, and just the sounds of wind, waves, and rustling palm trees. This might cause panic in some city folks, but it’s normal around here. In fact, if you pass more than a couple of people, it’s probably rush hour! The best time to visit the Taipu de Fora beach is at low tide, so you’ll need to plan ahead just a little. Check with your receptionist or ask a local fisherman… “quando é maré baixa?”, try to make sense of the hand signals, then smile and say “obrigado”.

There are many beaches along the Bahia coast that have coral reefs and tide pools, but it’s rare to find the formations that you see here. The reef is dotted with smaller, naturally formed pools – but even more impressive are the well-defined, deep-water channels that create a surreal marine playland for snorkeling or SCUBA. At peak low tide, the water becomes transparent and perfectly still, ideal for exploring the channels teeming with colorful fish and other interesting reef dwellers. It’s easy to lose track of time, so don’t forget your waterproof sunscreen or your back will pay the price!

If you are lucky enough to be here during a full moon, come to Taipu during low tide at night. If you’re even luckier, you can catch a full moon rising over the tide pools! The reflection of a full moon on a perfectly calm and transparent sea is something you will never forget, and some of the pousadas even plan luaus and beach parties just for this event.

Send us an email and we can send more information if you are interested. And if you’re not here during a full moon? Don’t be too upset, you’ll see something equally impressive at night – the star filled night skies of the Marau coast. But trying to explain the beauty of the Bahian night sky is best left up to the poets!

         

Tips:

• Bring your mask and snorkel, fins are nice to have but not necessary. The other, sometimes simpler options is to rent a decent mask on the beach for 10 BRL an hour.
• Take at least one long beach walk towards the south if you want to experience the unique beauty and solitude of the Marau Peninsula. You won’t regret it.