About this place
A safe crossing averaging 10 to 15 minutes, the ferry from Porto Seguro town to Arraial d'Ajuda operates 24 hours a day, every day. Departures are hourly overnight and every 30 minutes during the day. It crosses the Buranhém River carrying pedestrians and vehicles of all sizes. Although it connects two districts, it also offers some unique photo opportunities at dawn and late afternoon. This place is part of Rede Bem Bahia’s Regional Guide and helps visitors understand the natural, historical, cultural and scenic diversity of the Costa do Descobrimento. The experience varies with the time of day, tide, weather, calendar and means of access. Plan your visit considering travel, time on site and current rules, and confirm operational information before setting out.
Getting there
From Porto Seguro, cross the Buranhém River by ferry and follow Estrada da Balsa to Arraial d’Ajuda. Road access is also available via BA-986, without a river crossing.
Things to do
Sail, admire mangroves, reefs or river mouths, and observe wildlife from a responsible distance, always following the crew's or guides' instructions. Allow time to notice the details presented in the attraction description and take photographs responsibly.
Travel tips
Confirm tide, wind, duration, included items and safety equipment before boarding.
Practical planning
- Suggested duration
- Half a day to a full day
- Best time
- Depending on tide, wind and authorized operations
- Costs
- Tours and crossings usually require payment
- Accessibility
- Boarding and disembarking require prior confirmation
- Advance booking
- Recommended, especially in high season
- Seasonality
- Operations subject to navigation conditions
Approximate distances
- Porto Seguro airport
- approx. 10–18 km via ferry
- Porto Seguro town centre
- approx. 7–15 km via ferry
- Bus terminal
- approx. 10–18 km via ferry
- Coroa Vermelha
- approx. 25–35 km via ferry
- Mundaí
- approx. 16–25 km via ferry
- Arraial d’Ajuda
- up to 8 km from Arraial town centre
Distances are estimates, not journey times. Confirm the route and any ferry crossings before departure.