Useful Tips for Morro de Sao Paulo

Things to consider when choosing the time to travel to Morro de São Paulo:

High and Low Season : The period with the most visitors in Morro de SP is from December thru March. In general new-year, Carnival, the after-carnival season (also called 'Carnival-hangover')and the time in-between are very popular times to visit the island. At these times hotels will often have reserved contingents and packages and will only accept reservations for pre-determined dates (in other words: unlike at other times you cannot say you'll arrive on Feb 1st and stay either 5 or 7 days depending on the weather). Throughout the high season the prices tend to be rather high. If you like it less crowdedm and a little cheaper consider the low season April thru November.
Climate: Morro de SP has a tropical climate with the sun shining basically all year long. The average temperatures are between 26 and 30 degrees Celcius (79 - 86 degrees Fahrenheit). The rainy season goes from May until July. However, up until September occasional rain is common but less likely. Throught the months of the rainy season the temperatures drop a little but rarely go below 20 degrees C (68 degrees Fahrenheit). The average temperature throughout the winter months(*) (June-August) are approx. 24 degrees Celcius (75 degrees Fahrenheit)
(*) Consider that Morro de SP - like most of Brazil - is located in the Southern hemisphere, so the coldest months there are what is summer in the Northern hemisphere (i.e. America and Europe).

What to plan when travelling to Morro de São Paulo:

Accomodations: When you are going to Morro de Sp during the high season make sure to make a reservation well in advance since all hotels and hostels tend to be fully booked. If you go without a reservation take with you a list of several places you could see yourself staying at and see which ones are available. See a list of accomodations here.

Another factor to consider when choosing your accomodation is if you want to party and meet people or just have a relaxing vacation embracing nature without much disturbance. If you want to be close to life and party stay in the village or at beaches number 1, 2 or 3. (The best parties are usually at beach number 2). A major advantage of staying in the village is that most restaurants and shops are located there. If you want it quiet, stay on beaches number 4 and 5. You will have miles of lone beaches there, however consider that in order to go out to shop and eat at night you will always have to walk (no cars, no roads) to the village and return to your lonely beach when it is dark - which might not be too comfortable especially since there is no lights on the beach.
Transport: As with hotels it is advised that you reserve your spot on a boat or plane when you get to Morro de São Paulo if you inted to travel during the high season. Have a look at how to get there and see a list of companies that offer passages to the island.

Luggage:

Don't take too much heavy luggage with you. Consider that almost all hotels and hostels are accessible only through dusty roads and over the beach. You can easily hire a guy who will carry your bags but they charge per weight.
When you take the plane to Morro the maximum luggage allowed is 15 kilos (~33 lbs).
Take lightweight summer clothing and sandals. Clothing at Morro de SP is usually casual. Morro is a place to chill and party - no need to overdress. Avoid high heels; consider that you will be almost always walking on sand - even on the main road of the village. If you travel during the winter months (June-September) have a jacket with you at night since it can get cold when the sun goes down.
The voltage in Morro de São Paulo is 220V. If you have to take with you electric equipment that needs 110V, take a transformer with you or ask if your hotel offers transformers for rent. If you want to iron your clothes ask if the hotel has an iron you can use before bringing your own.

Going to Morro de São Paulo:

In Morro de São Paulo there are no banks only ATMs – they are located at the main road of th evillage and on the second beach. Despite that fact that most hotels and resturants accept credit cards it a good idea to have some cash with you. Have some change on arrival to pay the tourist tax when you get off the boat - you basically go directly from the landing stage to a cash desk before entering the island.
If you become sea-sick easily either take some medication before bording the boat or take the plane. The waves can get heavy at times and the transfer might take 2.5 hours going from Salvador.

Arriving in Morro de São Paulo:
- Upon arrival in Morro de São Paulo you will have to pay a tourism tax of R$ 6,50 per person right after the leaving the boat. You should have this amount with you in cash.
- When leaving the boat you will be approached by locals offering to carry your luggage for a charge. Don't worry - this is common and since the main road right after the harbor is very steep it is a good idea to accept their help - unless you are a backpacker and you can carry all your belongings easily. Even after the steep driveway that leads to the main road of the village all roads consist of sand and you cannot pull your bags as you can on a solid road. The carriers usually charge by piece of luggage they carry.

More useful tips:
- Medical care: In Morro de São Paulo there is no hospital (only in the town of Valença you can find a regular hospital), there is a 'medical center' 'posto Médico' (phone: 55 75 9982 2619), with a dentist and two pharmacies.
- Shopping: There are several supermarkets and many small shops in Morro.
- Phones: Morro de São Paulo has cell phone coverage all over the island. There are also public phone booths for national and international calls for which your will need a phone card. You can purchase these cards in many shops in the village.
- Internet: In Morro de São Paulo you can find wireless LAN hot spots and a couple of public Internet cafes. Some hotels will offer Internet service also.