Blog · Morro de São Paulo

How do you get from Morro de São Paulo to Gamboa, and what is there to do?

Updated: October 2026

Short answer: Gamboa is Morro's neighbouring village, about 2 km along the coast. You can walk at low tide (about 40 minutes) or take a boat from the pier in around 10 minutes. It's worth half a day: a calm swim, the clay cliffs, lunch and sunset.

What is Gamboa?

A fishing village on the same Tinharé Island, facing the mainland. Much quieter than Morro, with restaurants on wooden walkways over the sand and a slow pace. It's the easiest escape when Morro is packed.

How do you walk there?

From Morro's pier, take the path to Porto de Cima beach and follow the coast to Gamboa. Only at low tide: at high tide the water reaches the rocks in places and you can't get through. It's about a 40-minute walk. Check the tide table before you go and think about the way back: the tide rises while you're there.

How do you go by boat, and how much is it?

Passenger boats run between Morro's pier and Gamboa's in about 10 minutes, for around R$5 per person. Pay in cash or by Pix at the pier. After sunset there are fewer departures: agree your return with the boatman.

What's the best combination?

Walk there at low tide in the morning, spend the day in Gamboa, and come back by boat once the tide is in. Free there, cheap back, no stress.

What is there to do in Gamboa?

• Clay cliffs: coloured clay cliffs along the beach, heading towards Morro. People cover themselves in mud and rinse off in the sea. The clay is said to be good for the skin; that's local tradition, not medical evidence.
• A calm swim and pools at low tide.
• Lunch: fish, seafood, moqueca.
• Sunset: Gamboa faces west, so the sun sets over the channel.

Is it worth staying in Gamboa?

If you want calm, a better price, or you're travelling over a holiday when Morro is packed, yes. You're 10 minutes by boat from everything.

Practical tips

• Water, sunscreen and shoes that can get wet.
• Cash: boats and beach bars don't always take cards, and when the power goes out Pix goes down too.
• If you're unsure about the tide, take the boat.
• At night, use only the regular boats (see safety).

Frequently asked questions

How far is Gamboa? About 2 km of coastline from Morro's pier.

How long is the walk? About 40 minutes, only at low tide.

What tide do I need? Low. At high tide you can't get through.

How much is the boat? About R$5 per person, 10 minutes.

Can I walk there and take the boat back? Yes, that's the most practical option.

Gamboa with us

Prefer to go with someone who knows the tides and the best beach bars? Gamboa by boat (R$100 pp), Gamboa full tour (R$260 pp) or quad bike to Gamboa (R$500 per vehicle).

Keep reading: Morro's beaches · Things to do in Morro