History and Culture
A paradise in All Saints Bay
Ilha dos Frades – Ponta de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe vista de cima, lá do mirante! Foto: Fábio Marconi
Ponta de Nossa Senhora Beach is a beach located in the northern part of Ilha dos Frades, Salvador, Bahia. It is between the Our Lady of Guadalupe Hill and the Outeiro dos Carneiros. It has a large strip of native forest and is one of the most sought after beaches of Ilha dos Frades, because of its calm, warm and clear waters, great for swimming, fishing, diving and other water sports. It also has beach stands, which guarantee the comfort of the tourist, serving seafood and fish. The very trendy Restaurante da Preta is right on this beach, one more reason to visit!
The beach has the Blue Flag seal, considered the most important of the category in the world and awarded to beaches and marinas that meet a set of 34 social and environmental quality requirements. The blue flag award criteria include several parameters in categories such as: water quality, environmental information and education, local environmental conservation, safety, services and supporting infrastructure.
It is always worth remembering that just as the local community had to adapt to meet the requirements of the Blue Flag seal while maintaining a standard of environmental conservation, the tourist also has this same responsibility. Taking care of the environment!
Ponta de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe beach is in a Cultural and Landscape Protection Area (APCP), in All Saints Bay. It has about 50 residents and, in summer (high season), receives up to 4,000 visitors over the weekend. From this beach, it is very easy to walk to Viração Beach, next to this strip of sand. However, it is a deserted area: good for sensational photos, but there are no beach stands. So remember to bring water.
Going up to the gazebo, there are the lighthouse and the little church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, built by the Portuguese in Ponta de Nossa Senhora in the 17th century. This church, which was completely abandoned and collapsing, was fully recovered in 2007 by the Baía Viva Foundation. At the top of its summit, a gazebo has been installed, from which one of the most beautiful views of All Saints Bay is unveiled. At the back of the church there is a cemetery, a very common structure until the 19th century.
It was necessary to rebuild, first, the huge staircase that gives access to the church. Ponta de Nossa Senhora now has a new pier, public toilets, police and medical service, and a nautical signaling system to avoid the approach of vessels on the beach.
Service
It’s important to know that visitors pay a fee of R$ 10.00 to enter the island, and the pier (maritime terminal of this beach) is open from 9am to 4pm, but you can land directly on the beach at different times too, at points where there are no safety buoys for swimmers.
For boat rides: it’s important to schedule at least 72 hours in advance.
How to get there:
Adval Viagens e Turismo (Adval Travel and Tourism)
www.advalturismo.com.br
Phone #: (71) 3328-0332 / 3329 4834 / (71) 98802 1375
Adval Viagens e Turismo is a local receptive agency with proven professional competence in the national tourist market as well as in the international receptive. It offers tours to Ilha dos Frades and Itaparica and throughout Salvador, showing its history and its natural beauty.
For special tours
Speedboats, yachts and catamarans
More intimate, romantic, family or small group tours
Sailor Rafael – speedboat ride leaving from Bahia Marina
You can call and explain your demand so that he can organize the tour to suit your group.
Rafael: 71 99403-0560
Bahia Tours
www.bahiapasseios.com.br
Boats, yachts, schooners and catamarans rentals.
Phone #: (71) 99900-7741 / (71) 3179-1718
Nautical Charter
www.charternautico.com.br
Phone: (71) 99146-5870
The sailboat is private, it was designed for charter. It has modern equipment and comfortable facilities. Rent a manned sailboat with commander present so you only have to worry about enjoying the view and sailing.
For parties and get-togethers
Schooners
Our suggestion here is for those who want to have a party or a get-together. The smaller schooners are for approximately 78 visitors. Which is already a lot of people!
Bahia Schooner
www.bahiaescuna.com
In this one, you organize your own party – schooner rental for tourism and nautical services in Salvador, Bahia.
Phone #: (71) 99629-9715 / (71) 98852-3545
General information:
Nautical Center of Bahia | Lower City, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Phone: (71) 3243-2207
How to get there by land:
From Salvador, take BR-324 (Feira de Santana) to Madre de Deus. It is 32 km to the junction with the BA-522 towards Candeias, and then another 20 km to the center of Madre de Deus, on a good road.
Madre de Deus Ferry Terminal – There is a bus stop right in front.
By car – there are free or paid parking, with an average value of 10 to 20 reais. On the bridge, there are ticket counters for the islands. The boats cross regularly as cost R$ 3.50 + 0.90 boarding fee. When taking the Paramana crossing, the closest is to get off at the pier.
