The Good, The Bad, and The Absolutely Chaotic 🇧🇷
We’re back in Bahia, and today we’re proving once again that you don’t need to be a full-time nomad to see the world. We traded the cobblestones of Pelourinho for a day at sea, heading out to explore Ilha dos Frades and Itaparica. It was a day filled with stunning views, “bath-warm” water, and, in true Footsteps fashion, a fair bit of confusion.
The Chaos of the Departure
If you’re heading to the market terminal to set sail, prepare yourself: it is absolute chaos. Between QR codes, physical passes, and a significant language barrier, things can get confusing quickly.
Pro Tip: English is really not spoken here. We wish we knew more Portuguese, as it would make the boarding process much smoother. Make sure you have your translation apps ready!
The Chaos of the Departure
If you’re heading to the market terminal to set sail, prepare yourself: it is absolute chaos. Between QR codes, physical passes, and a significant language barrier, things can get confusing quickly.
Pro Tip: English is really not spoken here. We wish we knew more Portuguese, as it would make the boarding process much smoother. Make sure you have your translation apps ready!
The Private Paradise of Ilha dos Frades
Our first stop was the stunning Ilha dos Frades. Because it’s a private island, there is a small entry fee (about 35 Reais or £2.20).
The water here is incredible, literally like stepping into a warm bath. We spent over an hour just floating around and chilling out. One thing that really struck us was how body-confident everyone is in Brazil; people wear what they want and they’re happy, which is so refreshing to see.
Survival Tips: PIX and Tech
We’ve said it before, but your tech setup can make or break a trip.
- The PIX System: On the boat and islands, they often use a payment system called PIX. While some places take cards, having PIX set up or carrying some cash for the islands is essential.
- Staying Connected: We’ve been using our Airalo eSIM, and even in the middle of the ocean, we had three bars of 5G. It’s been absolutely invaluable for navigating and translating on the go.
Lunch on Itaparica
After a short “raft boat” transfer that felt a little overloaded, we landed on Itaparica for a massive buffet lunch. They charge by the kilo (around 139 Reais per kg), so you can try a bit of everything, just watch out for the heat!.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth It?
In hindsight, an 8-hour tour is a long day. If you’re short on time, a half-day trip to Ilha dos Frades might be enough. However, for the views of the Salvador skyline and the chance to switch off, it’s a great experience.
Coming up next: We’re heading to the “Hippie Village” frequented by Janis Joplin and Bob Marley! Subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss it.
Explore More of Bahia:
Getting Lost in the Bahia Backroads – When our off-road adventure took a chaotic turn.
Walking Pelourinho: The Soul of Brazil – Our Day 3 guide to the historic upper city.
Finding Elbow Beach: Brazil’s Best Kept Secret – Why this spot rivals our favorite beaches in Bali.
If you’re into optimizing your travel tech, check out our Guide to the Best Android Car Launchers for your own road trip setup.
