The sea at Baixio would already be worth the trip on its own — but it is behind the dunes that the Bahian village hides its most surprising treasure: a necklace of crystal-clear freshwater lagoons ringed by white sand and restinga, where the day goes by slowly between a swim and a stretch of kayaking.
The three sisters
- Lagoa Azul — the most famous one, with transparent, bluish water over a pale sand bed. It is the favorite for swimming and photos.
- Lagoa da Panela — round like its name (“the pot”) suggests, sheltered between dunes, with warm, shallow water at the edges — great for children.
- Lagoa Verde — framed by vegetation that reflects in the water and gives it its name; the wildest and quietest of the three.
Kayaking and stand-up paddle
Paddling is the best way to get to know the lagoons: the calm water forgives beginners and the silence lets you watch restinga birds up close. Guesthouses and local guides rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards; late in the afternoon, the golden light over the dunes turns the paddle into meditation. No motors, no rush — that is the spirit.
How to visit
The lagoons lie between the village and the dune fields, reached by sand tracks — on foot, by bike or on the 4×4 outings that also climb to the Mamucabo and Morro da Vista lookouts. The classic plan combines a beach morning at the mouth of the Inhambupe, lunch in the village and an afternoon of lagoons with sunset on the dunes.
A fragile ecosystem
These lagoons are part of the restinga system of the Costa dos Coqueiros: they are fed by rain and by the water table, filtered through the dune sand. So: no excess sunscreen before swimming, no soap or shampoo in the water, and rubbish always back in the backpack. Their beauty depends on whoever visits them.
Quick tips
- Go in flip-flops or barefoot: the sand on the tracks is soft and clean.
- Bring water and a snack: there is no infrastructure at the more distant lagoons.
- Late afternoon has the best light — and the mosquitoes; bring repellent.
- If in doubt about the depth, ask the locals before jumping in.
🥾 Who is it for?
Effort: easy — calm paddling and swimming; the trails between the lagoons are flat and sandy. Children: double kayak with an adult from age 6; shallow edges for the smaller ones. Seniors and reduced mobility: stand-up paddle can challenge your balance, but the kayak is stable and the scenery therapeutic.