Surf Travel Guide: Salvador, Bahia

Why Salvador, Bahia?

Salvador is the heart of Brazil's surf scene, boasting the most surf spots per mile in the entire country. With a coastline dotted with over 15 reliable breaks, you can find everything from gentle beginner waves to powerful reef barrels. It’s a place where you can surf in the morning and explore historic colonial streets in the afternoon.

→ Salvador works best when a south swell hits between April and September.
↳ That swell direction lights up the city's beach breaks and the reef breaks to the north.

Getting There & Getting Around

You’ll fly into Salvador-Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (SSA), which is perfectly positioned to get you to the city's main surf zones. From the airport, you have a few straightforward options to get to the waves.

Taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available. A ride to the popular Barra or Stella Maris neighborhoods will get you close to the action.

→ Fly into Salvador International Airport (SSA), located about 16 miles (25 kilometers) from the city center.
↳ A taxi to the Barra area takes about 45 minutes and costs roughly $20 USD / 110 BRL.

When to Surf

The prime surf season runs through the Southern Hemisphere's autumn and winter, from April to September. This is when consistent south swells deliver waves in the 3-6 foot range, with water temperatures hovering around a balmy 80°F (27°C). The best tide for most spots is a mid to high tide.

Surf Breaks

• Jaguaribe: A great spot for learning, with multiple surf schools right on the sand. The wave is a relatively slow, sandy-bottom beach break.
  → Level: Beginner
• Stella Maris: A consistent and popular beach break that offers both left and right-hand waves. It can get a bit more powerful and is best for those with some experience.
  → Level: Intermediate
• Farol da Barra: An iconic point break next to the famous lighthouse. This wave is a long, peeling left that works best with a bigger south swell. It can be shallow, so be mindful of the rocks.
  → Level: Advanced

Where to Stay (Hotels)

→ All three of these options put you right in the mix, with easy access to the surf.

Budget ($)

Pousada Stella Tropical: Nightly rates start around $37 USD / 205 BRL. It's clean, simple, and just a 5-minute walk to Stella Maris beach.

Mid-Range ($$)

Monte Pascoal Praia Hotel Salvador: Expect to pay around $90 USD / 500 BRL per night. This hotel offers great comfort and an unbeatable location right in front of Barra beach, close to the Farol da Barra break.

Luxury ($$$)

Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte: Rates start at approximately $283 USD / 1570 BRL. This is a premium resort with stunning pools and ocean views, about an hour north but close to the world-class waves of Praia do Forte.

Food & Drink

• Local Beer: Grab a cold Skol, a classic Brazilian pilsner. It’ll cost you about $1.50 USD / 8 BRL at a local boteco.
  → Head to Boteco do França in the lively Rio Vermelho neighborhood for a great vibe.
• Local Lunch: You have to try Acarajé, a delicious street food made from black-eyed pea fritters stuffed with shrimp and vinaigrette. Acarajé from a street vendor costs around $2 USD / 12 BRL.
  → For a sit-down version and other Bahian specialties, check out Restaurante Casa de Tereza.