From Salvador: Schooner Tour to Frades Islands and Itaparica

That first pull-away from Salvador always changes the mood. This 8-hour schooner day trades city time for open water, with Frades Islands swimming and Itaparica beach time on the same itinerary.

I like that the sailing portion is built around real sights you can’t see from a bus. You pass São Marcelo Fort, the Monte Serrat Fort area, and you get big views of Salvador from the sea.

One thing to keep an eye on: the schedule includes multiple travel segments by boat, and the day can feel less beach-heavy if the timing slips. Also budget for add-on fees for boarding and island entry.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Scenic sail through Baía de Todos os Santos with major coastal landmarks from the water
• About 2 hours at Ilha dos Frades for calm-water swimming and free time
• Itaparica time for lunch and beach relaxation with about 2.5 hours on the island
• Live music onboard to make the in-between stretches more fun
• Sunset sail on the return with a Todos os Santos Bay view

The 8-hour schooner plan: what your day actually feels like

This tour is designed as a full half-day on the water. You leave Salvador from the Tourist Terminal Náutico da Bahia, then spend the day moving between two islands with scheduled time for enjoying them.

I like the structure because it gives you both a swim-focused stop and a beach-and-food stop. Ilha dos Frades is the lighter, water-play side; Itaparica is where you slow down after lunch and soak up the sun.

The drawback is simple: you’re on a boat for a big chunk of the day. If you’re hoping for maximum sand time, you’ll want to manage expectations and pick a good day (and arrive early enough to avoid last-minute stress).

Sailing Baía de Todos os Santos: forts and Salvador from the sea

The sail is not just transportation. As the schooner moves through Baía de Todos os Santos, you’ll see a string of landmark views, including São Marcelo Fort, the Itapagipe peninsula, and a sea-side look at Salvador itself.

You also get passes by big spiritual and historic markers, such as Monte Serrat Fort and Bonfim Church. From the water, these landmarks feel more connected and less like random points on a map.

If you’re the type who likes photos that actually show context, this is where the value is. Those views are harder to recreate inland.

Ilha dos Frades: calm-water swimming, local mingling, and time to breathe

Your first stop is Ilha dos Frades, where you get around 2 hours on the island. The waters here are described as calm and clear, which is exactly what you want if you’re there to swim, snorkel, or just float without stress.

This is also the stop that’s meant to feel social. You can mingle with locals, enjoy a snack and a cold drink (plan on paying for most food/drinks unless your ticket clearly says otherwise), and take a relaxed break from the boat.

One practical point: the plan includes snorkeling and even scuba diving listed for 2 hours. The listing doesn’t say how that’s handled day-of, so treat it as something you may need to confirm with the guide or staff once you’re onboard and at the island.

Itaparica: beachfront lunch, beach time, and a return to the Bay

Next you head to Itaparica Island for about 2.5 hours. Lunch is described as being at a beachfront restaurant with a buffet of homemade food, which is a smart choice if you don’t want to hunt for a meal after a morning on the water.

After lunch, you get time to do the simple things well: walk around, relax on the sandy beach, and enjoy warm water. The tour also builds in time to enjoy a sunset over Todos os Santos Bay as you begin the return boarding around 3:30 pm.

A balanced note from the experience: if you’re hoping for a “best beaches” style day, you might feel limited by the way time is managed. One review complaint I’m taking seriously is that some passengers felt the itinerary didn’t maximize the top beach moments and that lunch options were narrow. That doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed you’ll feel that way, but it does mean you should confirm lunch timing and where you’ll be eating before you commit.

Live music onboard: a small inclusion that changes the mood

One of the easiest wins here is that live music is included onboard. That matters more than you’d think, because much of the tour is travel time between stops.

With music going, the boat segments become part of the fun instead of dead time. It also helps everyone stay in the same rhythm—important on a day with scheduled boarding and fixed arrival times.

If you tend to get restless on boats, this inclusion is one reason the trip can still feel worth it even when you’re not on land.

Price and extra fees: getting to the real cost before you go

The headline price is $39 per person for an 8-hour tour, which is a solid starting point for a day that includes a guide and onboard music, plus two islands.

But the true value depends on add-on charges. You should plan for:

• R$ 20 boarding fee in Salvador
• R$ 25 entrance to Ilha dos Frades

Payment for these fees can be done via Pix, cash, or card (national flags). You’ll want to have a backup plan—especially if cash is easier for you—because coastal schedules can be tight and quick.

Also, the tour notes meals and drinks as not included, even though the island time is described with opportunities to snack and drink. My advice: treat food and drinks as an extra budget line unless your voucher clearly confirms what’s covered at each stop. The buffet lunch on Itaparica sounds like it’s part of the plan, but don’t assume it’s automatically included in the base price.

When you budget correctly, the day can still be good value. When you don’t, it can feel like you’re paying more than you expected.

Group timing and the “boat-heavy” risk

This tour runs on a schedule with multiple water transport segments. That can work great when everything lines up. It can feel frustrating when you’re spending more time in motion than you hoped.

That’s the main drawback highlighted in the feedback I’m factoring in: the feeling that the itinerary leaned too heavily on transport and not enough on actual beach-and-island time. The same feedback also mentions being asked to pay extra fees and having limited options for food, which led to a worse experience.

So here’s the practical way to protect yourself:

• Ask before you board about the exact extra fees that apply to you.
• When you reach Ilha dos Frades, quickly figure out how much time you have for snorkeling versus shopping/snacks.
• At Itaparica, confirm lunch timing and what you can actually do in the remaining beach window.

That way, even if the day is a bit slower than expected, you won’t be stuck guessing.

What to pack for Frades and Itaparica (and why it matters)

Even though the day is planned, you’ll still feel more comfortable if you arrive ready for water and sun.

Bring:

• Sunscreen and a hat (you’ll be outside for hours)
• Water shoes or sandals you trust on sand and boat steps
• A towel or quick-dry option if you have it
• A small bag for dry items (phones usually need protection)
• Cash or a backup card for on-the-spot fees

If you care about photos, think about when you want them. The sail provides major landmarks views; the beaches are for relaxed shots. The sunset return is when the light often makes everything look better—so be ready before you think you’ll have time.

Who should book this schooner tour

This is a great fit if you want a straightforward water day with built-in stops and a guide. It works especially well for:

• People who enjoy ocean views and want to see Salvador landmarks from the water
• Travelers who want easy beach time without planning separate trips
• Groups who like a social vibe onboard thanks to live music
• Snorkel-friendly visitors (the plan includes snorkeling time)

I’d think twice if you:

• Hate boat rides and want mostly land time
• Really need a tightly planned beach-only itinerary
• Are sensitive to extra costs and add-ons—since boarding and entry fees apply

Should you book this Schooner Tour to Frades and Itaparica?

If you like boats, you want two different island vibes in one day, and you’re comfortable budgeting for add-on fees, this tour can be a good use of a Salvador day. The combination of Ilha dos Frades swim time, Itaparica lunch and beach, and the sunset return can add up to a fun, low-effort outing.

But go in with eyes open. Ask about what’s included in meals and drinks, double-check the island entry and boarding fees, and mentally plan for the possibility that some time will be spent traveling between stops.

My take: book it if you want a scenic, guided day that feels like a real outing on Todos os Santos Bay. Skip it or choose something else if your top priority is maximum time on the best beaches with zero “extra” costs.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at the Tourist Terminal Náutico da Bahia in Salvador.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 8 hours.

Which islands are included?

You visit Ilha dos Frades first and then Itaparica.

How long do you spend at Ilha dos Frades?

The plan includes about 2 hours at Ilha dos Frades.

How long do you spend at Itaparica?

The plan includes about 2.5 hours at Itaparica.

What is included in the vessel?

A tourist guide and live music are included on the vessel.

Are there extra fees besides the tour price?

Yes. The itinerary lists a boarding fee in Salvador of R$ 20 and an entrance fee to Ilha dos Frades of R$ 25.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is described as being part of the Itaparica stop at a beachfront restaurant with a buffet. However, meals and drinks are listed as not included, so you should confirm what your exact ticket covers.

What languages is the live guide offered in?

The live tour guide is offered in Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, and Italian.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not wheelchair accessible. Strollers are accessible, and service animals are allowed.