Organized tours of Salvador's Centro Histórico are easy from Encanto de Itapoan.  A van comes by the hotel at one o'clock in the afternoon to pick people up (Monday through Saturday).  The tour itself starts at 2 p.m. at the top of the Elevador Lacerda.  It continues on through Pelourinho, covering history, churches, and interesting sites (all in English and Portuguese).  Free time is allotted so that people may also wander at will, partaking at bars or restaurants should they so desire.

The tour winds up at 5 p.m., and Encanto de Itapoan's guests are back "home" by 6 in the evening.  Price: 90 Brazilian reais per person (transportation is included in this price).  That's around 45 U.S. dollars.

Filhos de Ghandy in Pelô

Private tours given by Octacilio himself (he is a trained and licensed tour guide) may be had for 150 reais per person (around 75 U.S. dollars).

Encanto de Itapoan's position puts it within easy reach of Bahia's spectacular natureza, and our association with ecological tour company Via Costeira allows for fully-organized and accompanied tours taking in diving, fishing, nature hikes, sailing, and a lot more.  Via Costeira provides air-conditioned vans with drivers, bilingual guides trained in tourism, and experienced teams knowledgeable in the particular area they are working in.

Some of the available tours are:

Sauipe Expedition

Leaving Praia do Forte in a jeep the group is driven to the Sauípe River -- located in an area of exotic tropical flora -- where the group journeys down river in wooden canoes of a type in use for hundreds of years here (and still in use!).  Then there is swimming at the mouth of the river and in the sea.

On the way back time is spent in Praia do Forte with its many attractions: beach, restaurants, gift shops, and the Tamar Sea Turtle Project.

Catamaran Trip

The group is taken to Praia do Forte and then on to the Sauípe River.  A comfortable catamaran then takes the group on a 7 km ride amidst beautiful tropicalia.

Time is allowed for swimming in the river.  On the way back time is spent in Praia do Forte.

Imbassaí Expedition

Near Praia do Forte the group boards Canadian-style canoes with room for three people. The group paddles down river, enjoying the scenery until reaching a deserted area ideal for swimming in both river and sea.  On the return time is spent in Praia do Forte.

Quadricycle  Trip

Twenty kilometers of trails on four wheelers inside the forest -- perfect for the adventurous!  The excursion includes a stop at and a swim in the Sauípe River.  On the return time is spent in Praia do Forte.

Deep Sea Fishing

Leaving from Praia do Forte aboard a comfortable 36 foot motor boat with latest generation fishing equipment.  A memorable adventure, then time in Praia do Forte.

Salvador Dive

Leaving from the Bahia Marina and heading out into the Bay of All Saints, an excellent place to dive with clean, clear, warm waters, shipwrecks, coral reefs, and a wide variety of marine life. All equipment is supplied.  For beginners and experienced divers alike.