Ilha de Itaparica - General Info
Description:
A large island about 10 km SW of Salvador de Bahia.
Many cruisers preferred Itaparica to the other Salvador marinas, which tend to be more expensive as well as security being an issue in downtown Salvador. Itaparica is reported to be cheap with either a good anchorage or a comfortable pontoon mooring at the (small) marina, with great bars and a laid-back atmosphere.
Security
However, security is now becoming an issue here too with boats being boarded and burgled whilst at anchor (see reports adjacent and comments below).
Whilst it also used to be thought of as one of the safer places to go along this coast, a crime against yachts continues here. However, if you are sensible and vigilant with securing your belongings and anchoring in the company, there is no reason why this beautiful area should not be visited.
Position:
12° 53.34’S, 38° 41.11’W (marina)
Read and Post Related Comments
If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).
Next Section: Profile: Clearance
Related to following destinations: Brazil, Eastern coast (north of Rio de Janeiro), Ilha de Itaparica
Port Navigation
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comMain Ports - Brazil
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.com
Itaparica is one of the only two or maybe three safe anchorages in the whole Baia de Todos os Santos, unfortunately. The other one being Ilha do Bon Jesus (or as the locals call it, Ilha do Bon Suarez) and the baia de Aratù. Everywhere else, you can only anchor during the day.
We’ve never had a problem in Brazil during our 7 months stay. From Ilha Grande to Salvador, everywhere is safe (with the exception of Rio, where the only safe place to stay is Marina de Gloria).
Posted on behalf of Thibault of SV Moya
Itaparica Marina,
I paid 50BRL per night for a 33ft sailboat. Electricity 110/220 volts is included, 60Hz only. Water is included and is good to drink, better to fill up bottles directly from the local fountain 5 minutes walk (to avoid a light plastic taste but that’s my experience). Wifi is good. Nice small town. Easy to bike or walk on the island. Police is on site, or not too far in town. It is possible to use buoys (and check with the marina) or anchor. The anchorage is safe, it can be a bit windy at times, no swell. An extensive sand bank is close to the marina, nice to beach at low tide I have been told, dangers are described in guides. Minimart in the village. ATM machine in the marina, no banks in town. I felt safe walking around during the day, people are friendly. The marina is cash only. Portugese only was spoken during my stay. A really nice place where to start exploring the bay.
We stayed 10 days in Itaparica and really enjoyed it. It made us delay our journey for some time. Near the marina is a place called “Amigos” where all foreigners meet, be it from land or sailors. The place is owned by a South African and most guests speak English. A great place to get news.
We also went to the waterfalls of Itororó and anchored there in front of the “waterfall”. Though all alone we had no issues. Too far away from civilization.
In Itaparica we personally had no issues with security at all. We left Rio Paraguacu very early in the morning. On the night after we left, our Brazilian neighbor boat (that we met later in Angra dos Veleros) told us he has been robbed on his catamaran. At gunpoint, they tied up his wife with cable-ties and demanded from him money and handphones. They left with 500 BRL, two handphones and tried to steal the dinghy with no result. All the police told him: “Well it’s this time of the year when people need money for vacation and carnival.” Not really very reassuring!
We did not go to Maragagipe as people told us not to do that along with one boat only. Two weeks ago another family with a Catamaran were mugged there.
As mentioned earlier, we are cautious and have been six weeks in Brazil now. Touch wood nothing has happened to us personally.
SY Coral Trekker
Posted by SY Gezi on main Brazil page:
We’re on anchor in ıtaparica for almost 4 months now and haven’t been anywhere else so comfortable so far. You can leave your dinghy at the marina, get fresh water for free, and people are very friendly if you’re friendly. Had no safety problems so far, however, we lock the boat has been warned by many people.
It’s also lovely to sail around, to Rio Paraguacu, Tororo waterfall etc..Nature is amazing, loved it all…Just finding yachting equipment even in Salvador is very very difficult. So if anyone has any experience finding rigging materials, would be great to learn.
New outbreak of insecurity in Itaparica.
The March 26 was robbed the French catamaran “Cap Sun”, the next day were robbed Swiss sailboat “Robusta” and Swedish “Suédois”. In all cases it came sailboats anchored in front of the marina and not moored in the marina.
Omar Sanchez, Wetdoc, from Buenos Aires.
The current Marina manager’s contact is Denys Aldeota – denys.aldeota@hotmail.com
Charges as at June 2014 are quoted at Brazilian Reals R$1.00 per foot per day but negotiation will usually see a substantial discount.
Itaparica provides a very secure anchorage, in all but severe S – SW fronts, in a delightful location with beaches, bars restaurants and supermarkets on your doorstep. Being one of Brazil’s oldest settlements Itaparica boasts a rich historical background which can bee is seen in the fort, churches and quaint cobblestone streets.
As with anywhere in Brazil, there have been incidents of violent crime over the years but these are in most part precipitated by cruisers failing to follow warnings, (anchoring in secluded areas), or by ostentatious behavior ashore, (displaying wealth). The Municipal Council and businesses are keen to promote the island’s attractions and are generally outraged at any incident affecting its reputation.
There is a careening wall available for keelboats and a sand island suitable for drying out multi-hulls or lifting keels. Tidal range is over 2 meters at springs.
Wi-Fi can be accessed from the anchorage.
After 16 years cruising, including a solo circumnavigation, I now live here with my family. I chose it because I thought it was one of the nicest locations I had visited in all my travels.
Ron Llewellyn
Australian Yacht Sula.
ron-llewellyn@hotmail.com