Turtles from the Projeto Tamar protection program
Some of the turttles weigh over 150kg
A world exclusife : first captive born baby sharks
The remains of the famous Castelo Dias d'Avila
The incredible views from the castle grounds
Visiters could arrive in full style with horses and carriages
Breaking waves on the reefs of Arembepe
An old fisherman's village gave birth to what is today Praia do Forte, a village that still preserves its rustic characteristics. This village has only a few streets that follow the natural plan of the clearings between the coconut palms.
An ideal place for eco-tourism and relaxing in one of the natural tidal pools along the 12km of afrodisiac coconut-beaches.
But also an interesting place to meet the locals and their day-to-day activities as you can watch in the following video made during our trip.
For those who would like so we will visit the most famous Castelo do Garcia d’Ávila, dating from 1552. It was the first great Portuguese edifice in Brazil. Today, it’s an impressive ruin with great views. Desperate to colonize as a way to control his new territory, the king of Portugal had set about granting lands to merchants, soldiers and aristocrats.
For no apparent reason, a poor, 12-cow farmer named Garcia d’Ávila was endowed with a tract of land that extended inland all the way to the state of Maranhão, with Praia do Forte as its seat. For the site of his home, Garcia chose an aquamarine ocean-view plot studded with palm trees. Impressive to watch !
Another must to see is the famous Projeto Tamar, who takes care of the GIANT turtles allover Brazil. One can understand better why turtle conservation is so important after a visit and see the differences between the major turtles species such as the Hawksbill, the Leatherback, the Loggerhead, the Olive Ridley or the Green turtles. You will be amazed to see their REAL sizes !
You could wath a video of the famous Projeto Tamar at this youtube-page.
For lunch we will go to a specialized Moquecaria where you can choose out of the finest moquecas made in Bahia, cooked by a local Chef.
For those who don’t know this type of food ... a moqueca is a kind of typical stew from Bahia. Basically one can use whatever protein as main ingredient whilst Bahian coastal moquecarias are specialised in all kinds of seafood and fish. Other necessary ingredients are the famous bahian palm-oil (”azeite de dende”), lemon, tomato, garlic, hot peppers (pimento de cheiro), cilantro, ... and of course each Chef has some secret ingredients to make his/her dishes outstanding ...
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In the afternoon of our Praia do Forte excursion we will find ourselves one of those many beaches that are part of Bahia’s natural richnesses. You could have a walk, a swim or just take care of your tan.
One of those typical aphrodisiac beaches in Bahia can be found around the estuary of the Jacuipe river. For those who want a haven of peace and endless miles to walk alone and totally relaxed chose a weekday for this trip.
By about 04.30pm we drive back to Salvador where you will be brought back to your hotel or pousada to enjoy the rest of your day.