The Island of Boipeba

The Islands of Tinharè and Boipeba, thanks to the their biodiversity, natural resources and wealth of flora and fauna, were officially recognized as Environmentally Protected Areas by the State of Bahia in 1982.
The Island of Boipeba offers 20 kilometers of pristine beaches and surrounding barrier reefs. Inland, you will find the lush vegetation of the Atlantic forests, sandbanks, dunes and stretches of mangroves.
The inhabitant’s main livelihood is fishing. Recently tourism has enhanced the local economy. The Islanders are warm and welcoming peoples.
There are four settlements on the Island, each with it own unique and beautiful traditions: Velha Boipeba (Old Boipeba), Morerè, Monte Alegre and San Sebastiao (better known as Cova da Onça, in English the Jaguar’s Cave).
A short distance from the Island of Boipeba is the Municipal of Cairù, characterized by colonial architecture and home of the antique convent of Sao Francisco dating back to the 17th century. Boipeba has a rich history and the Islanders have a wealth of knowledge on the Island’s legends and historical events.
Originally, like the rest of the Brazilian coast, the Island was inhabited by South American Indians, and here in particular,  lived the dreaded Aimorès. Colonies attacked by Indians found refuge on the Island. The Jesuits built a church and a community upon this refuge.
In this same period, the  canal that divides the Island of Boipeba from the Island of Tinharè was given its name: “Rio do Inferno” (Hell River).  The canal, which was  characterized by shallow riverbeds and difficult navigation, was the main point of access to the Island. When the Portuguese ships arrived they became beached in the mud and were attacked by the ferocious Aimorès, who were cannibals.
Another curiosity about the Island is its name: in Tupy, the local language,  “mboi pewa” means “flat snake” in reference to the sea turtles