Salvador de Bahia : Profile

Location

Salvador de Bahia is situated in a large bay (Baia de Todos os Santos) which offers a multitude of marinas and anchorages.

The historic centre of the town, which is within walking distance of the marinas, is worth visiting for its remarkable and well restored colonial buildings. Be very aware of street crime here and use common sense (no flashy jewelry etc.).

Generally speaking, Salvador is not cheap.

Position 12°57.3'S, 38°30.3'W.

Clearance

For clearance, all the offices are located in the main port. You will be required to check in with the Policia Federal before you proceed to the Capitania Dos Portos. The Policia Federal is located next to the Receita Federal in the main port, ten minute walk from the Capitania. Enter the waterfront side of the port at the passenger terminal (about 200 meters further down), and then backtrack along the waterside of the port to the Policia Federal office (hours 9-12/2-5 Mon-Fri and 9-12 Sat).

Checking in with the Policia Federal is mandatory here.

Be sure to wear long trousers or you might be refused service.

The staff at both marinas are most helpful and will advise about formalities, as will Marcelo Brocchini of MB yacht services.

Last updated August 2010.

Capitania dos Portos
Tel:+55 71 3320-3759, Fax:+55 71 3320-3811
Situated in the white Navy complex next to the harbour. Guard will direct you after seeing your passport and a visitor pass will be issued.

Customs Office
Port Building on waterfront.
Immigration offices are in the same road as Customs.

Docking

The approach is straight forward and deep, but with surprisingly strong currents in the middle of the bay and also at the northern end. The night approaches are well marked to all the marinas. Beware of wrecks off the cape on the eastern side of the entrance to the bay.

Sudesb marina at Forte de Sao Marcello, is a good choice if you wish to be close to the city (and your draft is 2m or less) but do be aware that theft of loose items on deck can be a problen here.

Alternatively, Bahia Marina (1 nm to the east of Sudesb) is best if you want to leave the boat for a while.

A quieter spot would be NW of Itaperica, either anchorage or marina. The anchorage close to the Fort offers good protection and the holding is good in mud. But there is only a very dodgy beach to leave the dinghy and the moorings appear to be run by the guy that does the laundry and odd jobs in the marina.

Another option is one of the marinas in the bay north of the city.

At Aratu, a small bay about 10 miles north of the city, a new marina is being built. Accessed by a well buoyed and deep channel. It will have haulout facilities. There is also a yacht club here which welcomes visitors and offers some night free mooring. They advise against anchoring here.

Last updated January 2010.

Bahia Marina
Av. do Contorno N 1010, Salvador de Bahia, Brazil CEP 40015-230
Tel:+55 (0)71 3322 7244, Fax:+55 (0) 71 3322 7244, VHF Channel 16, 68
bmvendas@bahiamarina.com.br
Marina staff reported to be v. helpful. Water and electricity on the dock. 40 ton travel lift, many repair trades represented, floating fuel dock (visa accepted) restaurants, swimming pool and excellent security.
The area just outside this marina can be dangerous and it is advisable to use a taxi even for short distances, day and night.

Marina Pier Salvador
Av. Porto dos Tainheiros, 1704 Ribeira, Salvador
Tel:(+55) 71 3316 1406, Fax:(+55) 71 3316 1406
www.piersalvador.com.br, piersalvador@piersalvador.com.br
A friendly marina in a sheltered bay north of the city at 12º54.82’S, 38º29.47’W. All facilities, laundry, WiFi, chandlery, restaurant, small shop. Nearby bus into the city. Owner speaks English and French and is mist helpful. A good place to leave the boat. At LW 1.4m in the approach channel.
In 2009 was classified by the STW Association with the blue flag (First class quality, safety and price).

Sudesb Marina
(previously TENAB - Terminal Nautico Da ), Avenida da Franca, s/n Commercio, Salvador de Bahia, Brazil 40.010-010
Tel:+55 71 3326 3434
Situated just behind Forte de Sao Marcello. Good protection but sometimes choppy (snubbers advised). A marina with floating pontoons. Water and electricity on the dock. Good security. WiFi/Fax/Tel/email services, laundry. Many staff speak English and French. Close to the Lacerda elevator and the business area with banks, post office, cyber cafe, shops and restaurants.

Terminal Nautico da Bahia
Avenida da Franca, s/n Commercio, Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. CEP 40.010-010
Tel:+55 071 32424620
gtnauticobahia@sudesb.ba.gov.br
The marina has floating docks, with a potential swell running snubbers are recommended.

Yacht Clubs

There are a number of yacht clubs in and around Salvador, and repair facilities at some of them are very good as they cater for a large local boating community.

Aratu Iate Clube
Rodovia Paripe – CIA,, S/N, Simoes Filho
Tel:+55 071 32167444
Half a day’s sail from Salvador, Aratu Iate Clube is the biggest nautical club in Bahia, offering fully serviced berthing and club facilities.

Bahia Yacht Club
Sete de Septembro 3252, Salvador BA , Brazil CEP 40130 001
Tel:+55 (0)71 3336 9011, VHF Channel 16, 68
icb@elitenet.co.br
Excellent facilities including restaurant.Swimming pool on site. Safe and very pleasant surroundings to pass the hot days. Visitors welcome.
The club runs a ferry. Advisable to be on board at night and not leave yachts unattended for long periods.

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