Semi-terrestrial: the 3 itinerary options

Our mission is to take you to your destination, it is no coincidence that our slogan is “the certainty of coming and going”! 😀 Our main option for transfers between Salvador and Morro de São Paulo is certainly the direct catamaran route by sea. Despite this, some days São Pedro doesn't seem very lively. Therefore, these days, we seek all possible alternatives to avoid leaving our passengers without making their scheduled trip. We evaluate the sections of each semi-terrestrial itinerary and continue the journey in the one that offers the most safety and comfort to our passengers, according to the situation of the day. As always, the Sailor is here to clarify every detail and, from now on, answer all your questions. Let's go!

When did we opt for the semi-terrestrial route?

• Above all, when the Port Authority interrupts open sea crossings. On very windy and/or rainy days, the Port Authority sends us a notice interrupting open sea crossings, as is the case with direct transfers between SSA and MSP. In general, such weather conditions are more common during the winter period, between June and September. As always, we comply with all Maritime Authority orders. Therefore, the semi-terrestrial route is our alternative for carrying out our daily transfers, throughout the year.
• Even if the crossing is authorized by the Port Authority, it is the responsibility of the vessel's commander to assess navigation conditions. Our experience of over 20 years carrying out this crossing is the basis for our maritime decisions. In these cases, the safety and comfort of passengers will always be our priority. Nesse sentido, faremos a opção mais adequada de acordo com as condições de navegação observadas.
• We frequently carry out inspections on our catamarans to ensure the proper functioning of our engines and vessel structure in order to ensure the quality of our services. In addition, we also perform daily preventative maintenance routines, before and after our trips. Still, as with any motorized transport, eventually, we may encounter a mechanical problem that prevents us from making the trip. In these cases, we will also be prepared to replan the trip and take one of the semi-terrestrial itinerary alternatives.

How does each semi-terrestrial option work?

Agora sim, podemos ir direto ao ponto: como funciona? On the map below, we illustrate each section of the route options. Follow the descriptions below and follow the sections of each option on the map. Todos os trechos já estão incluídos no nosso serviço e não haverá nenhuma outra taxa a ser cobrada durante o percurso.

Itinerary via Mar Grande

1. Firstly, we made the sea crossing to Mar Grande, on the island of Itaparica, in conventional boats. Estimated average time: 50 minutes.
2. Then we do the land section between Mar Grande and Atracadouro (Ponta do Curral). This route is carried out in a van, minibus or car. Estimated average time: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
3. Finally, we make the sea crossing by speedboat or boat between Atracadouro and MSP. Estimated average time: 30 minutes.
4. Furthermore, it takes an average of 40 minutes to board and change between modes of transport.
5. In short, the estimated time for the entire route is, on average, 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Itinerary via Bom Despacho

1. If the speedboat service to Mar Grande is not operating normally, we will make another itinerary option. Our trip to Itaparica will be carried out via the Ferry-Boat system. First of all, we will first transfer to the São Joaquim terminal. This transfer will be via taxis or vans. Average transfer time: 10 minutes.
2. Then, we will board the Ferry-Boat that will take us towards Bom Despacho, on the island of Itaparica. Estimated average time: 1 hour
3. Then we will continue along the land section by van, minibus or car between Bom Despacho and Atracadouro (Ponta do Curral). Estimated average time: 1 hour and 40 minutes.
4. Finally, we will make the sea crossing by speedboat or boat between Atracadouro and MSP. Estimated average time: 30 minutes.
5. Furthermore, it takes an average of 50 minutes to board and change between modes of transport.
6. In short, the estimated time for the entire route is, on average, 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Route via BR

1. In cases where both the Mar Grande boat and the Ferry-Boat have restrictions or are operating outside of normal conditions, we will follow BR. Our itinerary will be longer, however almost 100% by road. Firstly, we will depart from the Bahia Nautical Terminal with vans towards Atracadouro (Ponta do Curral). Estimated average time: 4 hours.
2. Finally, we will make the sea crossing by speedboat or boat between Atracadouro and MSP. Estimated average time: 30 minutes.
3. Furthermore, it takes an average of 20 minutes to board and change between modes of transport.
4. In short, the estimated time for the entire route is, on average, 4 hours and 50 minutes.

Vessels used in the sea crossing between Atracadouro and Morro de São Paulo.

Sailor's Tips:

• Want to know more about Morro de São Paulo? To get started, you can access our post A paradise to be visited and discover much more about the island.
• Do you want to travel there soon? Access our virtual store and guarantee your ticket to this paradise.
• Finally, also access our Instagram and follow the news about tourism in Morro de São Paulo and our daily crossing schedule: @ilhabelatmssa

Illustrative images created with AI.