Water sports are, along with the privileged beauty of the island, some of the principal attractions for visitors to Morro de São Paulo.

Sailing is one of the headline nautical attractions in Morro de São Paulo which not only provides a special vantage point to enjoy the island’s geography but also allows the visitor to experience harmony with nature and zero environmental impact.

Depending on wind conditions, departures from Gamboa township pass all four of Morro’s spectacular beaches and arrive at Garapuá township. Glide silently across the water on a Tornado, A-Cat, Hobie 16, Hobie 14, Laser or Windsurf, powered only by the wind itself and be calmed by the soft spray of the ocean.

According to the Sailing Club’s Horst Drechsler, even absolute beginners with no previous sailing experience can depart with an experience sailing team, learning and experiencing the sensation of wind while piloting a sailboat. Another option is to adventure solo in a Laser even only after receiving basic instruction. For those who have sailing experience, the Sailing Club offers both supervised tours or rentals for sailing solo in the bay. Winds are optimal (strongest) during the winter months for the most experience sailors.

For more information, call : 75.3653 7131
http://www.tropic-sailing-brasil.com/
clubedevelamorrodesaopaulo@hotmail.com

Regata Salvador/Morro 2010

October through February (summer) offers optimal, clear diving conditions (also dependent on winds). According to Itadomar Diving and Tours operator, Taí, “visibility ranges between 15 to 20 meters (up to 60 feet) when seas and winds are calm.” He regularly hosts divers on trips to Gamboa Velha, 50 minutes by boat towards Garapuá. For advanced divers, Itatiba or Itatimirmim are preferred sites with depths from 15 to 25 meters (up to 55 feet).

Sandra, from Companhia do Mergulho, explains that on First Beach, Pedra do Moleque reefs is a great site for any healthy person over ten years old without previous experience can make a guided dive with an instructor (called Baptism in local Portuguese). Following basic instruction, don a suit and equipment, dive for 40 minutes and observe local fish and coral in the company and supervision of a dive instructor. Even those who have never worn a mask before will enjoy every minute of this incredible experience.

For more information, contact: Dive Operators

Few realize that Morro de São Paulo hosts some of the best waves in Bahia. Great rides can be had at these prime spots :

Pedra do Moleque: First Beach, catch the best waves on the island from a powerful eastern swell that break two to six feet over a shallow coral reef.

Quebrancinha: On the left corner of First Beach. A fast, sharp left beach break forms over a rocky and coral-studded seafloor. The best rides are here when the waves at Pedra do Moleque exceed four feet.

Quarta Praia(Fourth Beach) : Fourth Beach - There are several locations known only to locals on Fourth Beach. Get to know who’s who and discover swells in excess of six feet.

Bring: Boards of your choice or rent one on the island from one of several surf shops. You’ll likely need wax, boots, silvertape and don’t forget sunblock!

Ten to thirteen-knot winds make Morro a perfect location for visitors who want to attempt kite surfing for the first time. Kite surfing entails attaching a kite to a waist belt and fixing a surfboard to the feet to glide across the water. Walk to Fourth Beach where you’ll find the spot to get started.