A cove of rocks and crystal-clear natural pools at low tide, 12 km from the center, reached by an easy trail of about 20 minutes via Engenhoca.
The low tide uncovers the rocks little by little, and that is when Havaizinho reveals itself. Among the dark reefs, the water settles into pools of rare clarity, while the open sea keeps pounding outside, stronger, in small coves separated by rocks. You hear the waves on the trail before you see them. And when you step out of it, you come face to face with one of the most photographed views in Itacaré.
The turnoff from the BA-001
The route is the same as for Praia da Engenhoca. The entrance is at km 12 of the BA-001, and at the fork you keep to the right. Havaizinho is about 12 km from the center of Itacaré: 20 minutes by car and another 20 on the trail.
There is no dedicated parking, so it is worth planning ahead before leaving town.
The trail and the viewpoint
The walk is short and light, easy level. Midway along the route there is a natural viewpoint, and visitors often single it out as one of the best moments of the outing. After Engenhoca, the trail continues over the rocks for another 5 to 10 minutes, and it is in this final stretch that the ground changes and the sea reappears.
If you have the energy, you can keep going: from Havaizinho you climb the Camboinha hill to Itacarezinho.
Pools, rocks and tide
Havaizinho depends on the tide. At low tide, the rocks form natural pools of clear water and wide strips of sand appear, which vanish when the water rises. So check the tide table before you go: arriving at the wrong time means missing half the beach.
The sea here is open, with currents at the points, and the pools are the safe place for a swim. There is no consistent swell for surfing; if you are after waves, look for another beach. Visitors tend to praise the beauty of the place and complain about the rocks in the sea, which call for care when entering the water.
One stand and little infrastructure
Facilities are minimal. In season, a simple stand operates, with fish, coconut water and snacks. Outside of that, don't count on anything, and one of the most common complaints from visitors is precisely that the stand only runs in high season.
Visitors often name Havaizinho as the most beautiful beach in the region. That is a matter of taste, but it says something about the effect of the first view.
Who it's for
For those who like photography, natural pools and a short hike, and for couples and friends who plan their day around the tide. It also suits anyone who wants to combine the visit with Engenhoca, on the same route. It is not the right beach for those looking for surf waves, nor for those expecting parking, a stand open all year and calm water for swimming: safe bathing is limited to the pools, and only when the tide allows.
Practical info
- How to get there: Engenhoca trail, starting at km 12 of the BA-001; at the fork, keep right, and then another 5 to 10 minutes over the rocks.
- Trail: about 20 minutes in total, easy level, with a natural viewpoint along the way.
- Distance from the center: about 12 km; 20 minutes by car plus 20 on the trail.
- Sea and tide: open sea, with currents at the points; the pools are the safe place. Pools and wide strips of sand appear at low tide; check the tide table.
- Facilities: simple stand in season, with fish, coconut water and snacks; no dedicated parking.
- Surf: no consistent swell.
Before you go
- Getting there
- Same trail as Engenhoca (BA-001), continuing over the rocks for another 5 to 10 minutes.
- Same trail as Engenhoca, starting at km 12 of the BA-001; at the fork, keep right. itacare.com.br
- Trail
- Engenhoca trail + 5 to 10 min over the rocks
- 10-minute walk on an easy trail from the highway. itacare.com.br
- 15 minutes from the highway, easy level (conflicting source). Melhores Destinos (Guia de Destinos)
- From Havaizinho you continue over the Camboinha hill to Itacarezinho. itacare.com.br
- Distance
- About 12 km from the center; 20 minutes by car plus 20 on the trail.
- Sea
- Open sea, with currents at the points; the pools are the safe place.
- Small coves separated by reefs; wide strips of sand only at low tide; no consistent swell for surfing. itacare.com.br
- Facilities
- Simple stand in season; no dedicated parking.
- Rustic stands with fish, coconut water and snacks; the short trail passes a natural viewpoint. Prefeitura de Itacaré
- Good to know
- At low tide the rocks form natural pools of clear water; check the tide table before you go.
- What visitors say
- Visitors often name it the most beautiful beach in the region and praise the viewpoint on the trail; they complain about the stand only being open in high season and about rocks in the sea. Rated 4.6 from ~1,250 reviews. TripAdvisor (página da praia)
Practical info
- Address
- BA-001, 12 - Itacaré, BA, 45530-000, Brasil
- Opening hours
-
- Segunda-Feira 09:00 – 17:00
- Terça-Feira 09:00 – 17:00
- Quarta-Feira 09:00 – 17:00 today
- Quinta-Feira 09:00 – 17:00
- Sexta-Feira 09:00 – 17:00
- Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
- Sunday 09:00 – 17:00
- Type
- beach
Location
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Havaizinho?
Via the same trail as Engenhoca, which starts at km 12 of the BA-001. At the fork, keep right and continue another 5 to 10 minutes over the rocks.
What is the best tide to go?
Low tide, when the rocks form natural pools of clear water and wide strips of sand appear. Check the tide table before you go.
Is it safe to swim?
The sea is open, with currents at the points. The pools are the safe place for swimming.
Are there facilities on the beach?
Only a simple stand in season, with fish, coconut water and snacks. There is no dedicated parking.
Can you surf at Havaizinho?
It isn't what the place is for: there is no consistent swell for surfing.
Do you manage this place? Correct details, send photos or request removal.
