From Moreré to Castelhanos through the mangrove

Ponta dos Castelhanos is considered one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in the region.
Crystal clear, warm waters follow the coast, forming spectacular natural pools at low tide.
To reach this destination there are several options, one of which is the trail that crosses the large mangrove forest characteristic of the island of Boipeba.
The itinerary usually starts in Moreré.
It's best to start the adventure early and at low tide. This happens because at high tide it is not difficult to cross the mangrove, so you will have to choose to walk on the trail inside the forest. If your interest is to discover the wonderful mangroves that the island has, talk to us so we can organize the best tour for you.

1.30hs

Hike to Ponta dos Castelhanos through the mangrove

Duration of the trail from Moreré

Departure time:

De acordo com o horário da maré

Activity duration

6 hs

It is recommended to do this trail for the first time with a guide, as once inside the mangrove the paths can become a maze, so it is better to be accompanied first to avoid taking the wrong path.
This adventure is divided into phases, and that's the most wonderful thing, the landscape changes will frequently surround you, whether due to the tide or the places to cross.

© 2021 Yazmin Mié

1st phase: Departure from Moreré beach to Bainema beach. The path is simple, passing through Rua das Flores, known for its colorful hibiscus tunnels.

2nd phase: The end of Rua das Flores is the beginning of Bainema beach, where you can see an extensive and large deserted beach surrounded on one side by the warm sea and on the other side accompanied by large coconut tree farms. You have to cross this beach from beginning to end to find the beginning of the trail that goes to the mangrove forest.

3rd phase: leaving the beach aside for a moment, the path continues, entering one of the last farms in Bainema and entering the thin, damp path to the large mangrove forest.
We recommend taking off your flip-flops and walking barefoot, the path is muddy (a kind of mix between sand and clay), native languages ​​say that these walks are healthy for the skin. Furthermore, it is easier as there is no opportunity to leave your slipper sunk in the heavy mud.

The path is full of crabs of all sizes. If this impresses you, don't worry. They are more afraid than you and are very fast, when the crustaceans notice the movement, they go into their holes, opening a path, you will probably never step on them.
Almost reaching the end of the trail through the mangrove forest, there is a part where the mud on the sides of the path is very long and deep, almost knee-deep. Don't miss the experience of stepping on it and trying to walk, it feels great and can be a lot of fun.

4th phase: Leaving the mangrove we will have canoes waiting for us. It is the sailors from Pontal de Castelhanos who take adventurers to the great final destination: Pontal dos Castelhanos.
But for this you need to cross the Catu River

At Ponta dos Castelhanos, during the day, stalls set up on the riverbank that borders the beach serve pastries, roasted fish, scooters, typical dishes and caipirinhas made with cocoa and biri-biri.

If you want to be more relaxed and away from tourism, just walk a few meters to reach a huge, almost empty strip of sand and enjoy the day watching the tide.

© 2021 Yazmin Mié

© 2021 Yazmin Mié

If you were lucky enough to do this experience in the morning with low tide, the tide will certainly be high for your return. Then the way back will change. The sailors who took you before at the exit of the mangrove, will now not be able to leave you there, as the tide is high and there is no possibility of walking there. They will drop you off at another arrival point called "O Paredão".
This point is the beginning of a trail through the forest. Beautiful for the amount of vegetation and exotics. Giant trees, a fairytale trail, aromas and a surprising environment.

Both the mangrove trail and the forest trail leave from Bainema beach. This means that wherever you come from, you will walk Bainema beach twice. The magic is that once you will enjoy the long beach at low tide and the next time you will see the rough sea taking over almost the entire beach.