Salvador to Morro de Sao Paulo: Transfer Service Review

Alright, if you are thinking about visiting the dreamy island of Morro de Sao Paulo from Salvador, you will soon discover that getting there isn’t exactly a straight shot. I mean, the island paradise involves a transfer, and depending on which one you pick, your experience could, arguably, range from smooth sailing to just a bit of a headache. Now, the transfer service options out there all try and offer what could be seen as the most stress-free route possible. What that looks like exactly might change, so lets dig into the ways to make this go smoothly for you, too!

Decoding the Salvador to Morro de Sao Paulo Transfers

You see, the journey usually kicks off from Salvador. That’s where most people, maybe like yourself, often start their adventure to Morro de Sao Paulo. To begin with, the most economical method, a combination of ferry and bus, also happens to eat up a lot of your day, so you might want to pack a book, yeah? Then you might, as a matter of fact, consider, spending a bit more can actually save you quite a bit of time, plus a possible boatload of hassle.

Now, generally speaking, the “standard” route involves a ferry trip from Salvador to Bom Despacho on Itaparica Island, so that’s step one. After the ferry, everyone usually piles onto a bus that takes you to the port of Valença. Then, for the final leg, you will get on a boat heading to Morro de Sao Paulo, basically, three steps that really add up. That said, keep in mind that these ferries aren’t exactly known for their punctuality. You may even experience a delay of an hour or two – or even more, as I found out once! Also, buses are buses and may not offer all the comforts of modern travel, such as cushy seats, you know? I mean, It’s a budget choice, as it’s usually the least expensive option. Also, I think it gives you a peek into local life. On top of all this you also avoid seasickness since most of the ride is over land!

The All-Inclusive Catamaran: Is it Worth It?

So, picture this: hopping onto a catamaran right from Salvador and getting whisked directly to Morro de Sao Paulo. I guess it sounds idyllic, yeah? As a matter of fact, this is certainly the fastest way to get there – we’re talking around two and a half hours, instead of five or six with the more affordable method, you know? The big plus is time savings; so naturally, there are drawbacks too. First, it’s more expensive; that’s kind of a given. You should be ready to fork out considerably more cash for that convenience.

Then too there’s the sea. Catamarans, unlike ferries, hug the waves instead of cutting through them. While some people barely notice it, so you will probably find that many travelers, me included, do, potentially resulting in a somewhat nauseating experience, that’s a fair warning. As a matter of fact, I usually prepare by taking some motion sickness medicine the night before and the morning of the trip. Oh, I’ll never forget the time I didn’t, and the boat had to turn back not long after we left. People were really getting sick then, actually!

If you are susceptible to seasickness, I would definitely recommend popping a pill well in advance. So consider packing ginger candies, which, in a way, might help too. What you wear makes a difference, too. You may want to opt for something loose and comfortable. One more detail – these catamarans can sometimes feel rather cramped, particularly during high season. Finding a comfortable spot to settle down can kind of be a minor challenge.

Taking a Plane for Maximum Speed

Now, alright, for those willing to spend a considerable sum of money, you have an air taxi transfer service; just a heads up though! You should know that it’s, quite possibly, the quickest option, even so, it has limited availability, you see. Private companies use little planes or helicopters to provide rides. You would take off right from Salvador and then be deposited on Morro de Sao Paulo in about twenty to thirty minutes – basically, a blink of an eye, if you will. This, basically, costs more. Still, if your vacation time is extremely valuable, this would give you a few extra hours of vacation.

Still, flying to Morro de Sao Paulo doesn’t eliminate transfers altogether. So after landing, you will usually need to hop into a taxi or a quad bike, very typical modes of local transportation. And that last short hop from the airstrip to your accommodation can be a bit bumpy! Just bear that in mind when you envision an aerial entrance. As a matter of fact, the local airstrip might, seemingly, shut down because of weather conditions – primarily heavy rain. So it is advisable to check conditions before booking. While rare, it has been known to happen.

Making a Decision

Anyway, here is what it boils down to; when picking how you get to Morro de Sao Paulo from Salvador, there are, in a way, several things to take into consideration, which can, kind of, dictate your pick. Time versus money tends to be an extremely important thing to bear in mind; you want to minimize costs and see some pretty sights? Pick the ferry and bus. The least time in transit is the airplane, it’s really not that hard to decide.

Next up; seasickness sensitivity. The direct ferry, in this situation, could be just a little challenging, so in this situation, consider the terrestrial route! As I mentioned above, I really recommend carrying supplies to deal with travel sickness! Oh, the overall experience? Going on the less expensive route could give you some experience of the local vibe and sights. Do not anticipate five-star rides, even so!

Booking Your Transfer

Whatever you do, book in advance. When peak season comes to visit Morro de Sao Paulo, these boats fill fast! Make plans, or at the very least, explore choices way ahead. That said, some providers allow flexibility, especially if conditions such as weather cause problems, but you do need to verify their terms! Also, double check the fine print regarding cancellation fees, luggage allowances, and maybe potential hidden fees – a lot are surprisingly very transparent!

One point – be careful of informal sellers when you reach either the maritime terminal or the airport! I usually recommend sticking with official vendors only, mainly to prevent some shady situations.

Also? Do check what other tourists are saying regarding various services. Opinions will vary. So looking through other comments helps one form what seems to be realistic plans and what to anticipate.