Practical tips

Cash, Pix and cards

Brazilians pay almost everything by Pix, an instant bank transfer via QR code — but it generally requires a Brazilian bank account, so most foreign visitors can't use it. Bring cash in reais (R$): not every counter, beach shack or boatman takes cards. Withdraw on the mainland (Valença or Salvador) before you board — ATMs on the island are few and can run dry in high season.

Internet

There's mobile signal and Wi-Fi in the village guesthouses, but quality drops on remote beaches and in the rain. Download offline maps and the tide table beforehand.

Health

Medical facilities on the island are basic; serious cases go to the mainland. Bring any regular medication, sunscreen, insect repellent, and seasickness tablets if you take the catamaran. Travel insurance is a good idea.

Tides

The natural pools only appear at low tide — the closer to zero, the better. Full- and new-moon tides are usually the lowest. Plan Moreré and the island boat trip around the tide table.

Best time to visit

Spring and summer in the southern hemisphere (Sept–March) are generally drier with calmer seas; autumn and winter (April–August) tend to be rainier. New Year and Carnival are packed; from January, day-trippers from Morro crowd the pools and some beach shacks.

TUPA visitor fee (Cairu)

The TUPA (Tarifa por Uso do Patrimônio do Arquipélago, an environmental/visitor fee set by Cairu municipality) is already charged in Morro de São Paulo (R$ 70 as of July 2026; an increase to R$ 90 has been suspended indefinitely). For Boipeba, the council plans to charge R$ 50 per visitor from 20 December 2026, once the new arrivals terminal is finished. Dates may change — check the Cairu council website.

What to pack

• A backpack rather than a wheeled suitcase
• Flip-flops plus shoes for trails
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Insect repellent, a torch
• Snorkel mask
• A bag to take your rubbish back
• Cash in reais