Camamu Bay is one of the widest on the entire Brazilian coast and is separated from the open ocean by the long Maraú Peninsula. Camamu is its main center, a picturesque village overlooking the river, its cobblestone streets dominated by a large colonial church. Camamu Bay is an ecological paradise between São Paulo Hill and Itacaré; it is the third largest bay in Brazil after Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro and All Saints Bay em Salvador.
What makes this region special is its pristine ecosystem that has remained intact after so much growth in the regions to the north and south: no pollution, no commercial development, and whose inhabitants continue to live in a way that has little impact on the environment.
Until recently these waters were the only source of food and the only means of transportation, and their old canoes made from a tree continue to be used.
To really experience the biodiversity and ecological wonder of Camamu Bay, you should take a speedboat to explore the maze of rivers, canals, and islands, especially in the southern part.
Camamu Bay is perhaps the largest expanse of undeveloped mangroves anywhere in the world.
While shrimp farming has devastated most coastal mangroves elsewhere on the planet, this region has remained untouched by commercial interests because of its difficult access.
Fortunately, Brazil has designated most of this region as an environmental conservation area.
