Intro to Algodoes Beach, Marau
Just to the south of Saquaira lies the beach town of Algodoes. In spite of being so close, it has a completely different look and feel, both in terms of its beach as well as the surrounding neighborhood. The beach sits within a half-moon bay, leaving it more protected and calmer than its neighbor to the north. Like most beaches along the peninsula, the coral reefs are exposed during low tide, creating the marvelous tide pools like those of Taipu de Fora, although far less crowded. Just inland from the beach, the landscape is lusher and less wind-swept due to its position along the coast, with much of its original Atlantic Rainforest still intact.
Its naturally beauty has attracted a lot of attention with investors in recent years, and this once sleepy beach town is now the second home of many foreigners alongside wealthy Brazilians. More of the homeowners live here year-round, giving it a more neighborhood atmosphere than nearby beaches that are mostly empty during low season. Algodoes has retained all of its charm and Bahian authenticity, however, because: construction was tastefully done without disrupting the natural landscape, there are no big hotels and nothing over 2 stories, and there is no commercial center since people rely mostly on nearby Saquaira for their shopping and other needs.
Algodoes is also home to Tikal, an upscale beach club that sits on a gorgeous property tucked inside the forest between a lake and the ocean, has become one of the hottest spots on the peninsula for New Year’s and Carnival. The Brazilian jet setters come from all over and spend a small fortune to party all day and all night, and it is often compared to beach clubs in Ibiza and other international hot spots.
Where to Eat
There are three great restaurants in Algodoes, all right on the beach. The first is Bar do Espanhol, serving great seafood with a distinctive Spanish flair and an even more distinctive owner. The other is La em Casa, part of a beautiful property located on an isolated stretch of beach, serving unique and delicious “tapas” style dishes. The third restaurant is not really restaurant… it’s a gorgeous little hotel, Casa del Mar, run by the Spanish couple Davi and Amaya. They serve the most famous Paella on the coast, but since they must take care of their guests first, you need to call ahead of time and see if they can accommodate you.
Tours and Excursions around Algodoes Beach
Speedboat Tour of Camamu Bay – This is a more complete tour of the Bay of Camamu. One of the benefits of a fast boat is a visit to the picturesque Tremembe Falls which lay at the southern end of the bay. There are 5 other stops, including a stop for lunch. You can choose either a shared tour with others, or charter a private speedboat, giving you privacy and more flexibility. This is a great options for those not staying in Barra Grande, since you can arrange for the speedboat to meet you at a pier other than Barra Grande, such as the Porto do Jobel near Algodoes.
Quad Bike Rental – Renting a quad is one of the best ways to explore the peninsula, especially along the beautiful trail that runs from Taipu de Fora to Cassange Lake, offering stunning views of the coast. We can arrange for the quad to be dropped off in the morning and picked up late afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore the peninsula at your own pace. This is a self-guided activity (though you can hire a guide), and 2 people can ride comfortably on one quad.
Private Car Tour of Marau Peninsula – If you really want to see the best of the peninsula, there’s no better way than with a guide who really knows the area. You will see more, learn more, and do more things in one day than you can with any other type of excursion. Customize your trip to include snorkeling at low tide on Taipu de Fora Beach, lunch in Barra Grande, and a locals beach bar at sunset, just to give examples. Highly recommended!
Atlantic Rainforest Nature Trail – This is a guided activity through an ecological preserve inside of the “Mata Atlantica”, offered in Portuguese and/or English. The trail sits on top of a mountain, offering stunning views of both the ocean and the bay. There is a working acai plantation with a small processing plant, offering a tasty sampling session at the end! It’s an easy trail which takes about an hour, not including the tasting session. Great for the whole family!
Hotels and Where to Stay in Algodoes Beach
Algodoes Beach is more of a family oriented beach, without any large-scale hotels. Most are small pousadas or bed and breakfasts, and there are many beautifully built and well-run places to stay right on the beach. You’ll find an interesting mix of people along with a good sized international crowd, including some of the hotel owners. You’ll get by whatever you’re language might be.
Below is our list of great hotels in Algodoes. For a complete list of hotels and pousadas with an interactive map, including Barra Grande, please visit our hotels and pousadas in Marau page.
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.
Restaurants and Bars in Algodoes and nearby
Below, we put together a list of some good places to eat and drink in Algodoes and nearby. To see a complete list of restaurants with an interactive map, including Barra Grande, please see our restaurants and bars of Marau page.
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.
How to Get to Algodoes Beach
Cassange Beach is located roughly in the middle of the Marau Peninsula, just before Saquaira Beach. The best way to get here depends on where you’re coming from, and the road conditions along BR-030 which is the dirt road that runs along the peninsula.
From Ilheus and Itacare
For those coming from south, Ilheus or Itacare, the quickest way to get here is on the dirt road (BR-030). The entrance to the dirt road and Marau Peninsula is about 17 km past the town of Itacare. Depending on the weather and road conditions, this stretch of road should take about an hour, give or take fifteen minutes. If the road conditions are bad, it is advisable to only go with a 4×4, or to go to Camamu first and take a speedboat to the peninsula. The easiest way is to hire a professional airport transfer who will know the best way to get here.
From the north and Salvador
For those coming from the north and Salvador, the best way is to go to Camamu, where you can take one of the speedboats to Barra Grande. From Camamu, there are hourly speedboats to Barra Grande center. For more information visit boat transport between Camamu and Barra Grande. Most of the hotel are withing walking distance from the pier, and for other destinations there’s a taxi stand right in front of the pier.
For more detailed information, see our page on How to Get to the Marau Peninsula.
Other Beaches of Marau
Airport Transfer & Taxi
All of our transfers offer:
• Professional, courteous drivers
• Cars to suit your needs
• Excelent service and avalue
Serving Barra Grande, Maraú, Itacaré e and the Dende Coast