Schooner Tour to Frades Islands and Itaparica, Leaving Salvador – Bahia

Visiting the Frades Islands and Itaparica from Salvador, Bahia, promises an unforgettable schooner tour experience. Travelers can expect a 4-hour adventure filled with stunning natural beauty, live music, and a delicious lunch – all for an affordable price. With a professional guide, refreshing fruit, and a well-maintained vessel, this tour offers an excitement-filled day that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re seeking a culture or simply a day of relaxation, this schooner tour might just be the perfect choice.

Key Points

• Daily schooner tours departing from Salvador, Brazil at 7:30 am to explore Frades Islands and Itaparica Island, with a maximum capacity of 50 travelers.
• Tour package includes professional guide, fruit round, transportation, lunch, and airport/departure tax, starting from $29.64 per person.
• Positive customer feedback highlights the friendly staff, well-maintained boat, enjoyable island visits, and lively ambiance with live music.
• Negative feedback includes communication issues with the guide, discrepancies between advertised and actual experience, and unsatisfactory meals at the island restaurant.
• Travelers should bring sun protection, swimming gear, and be prepared for limited dining options, as well as a mix of natural beauty and service quality challenges.

Tour Overview

The Schooner Tour to Frades Islands and Itaparica departs from the Tourist Terminal Náutico da Bahia in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, with a maximum capacity of 50 travelers.

The tour runs daily, starting boarding at 7:00 am and departing at 7:30 am. The 4-hour tour takes guests to explore the Frades Islands and Itaparica Island, offering beautiful beaches and natural scenery.

Priced from $29.64 per person, the tour includes a tour guide, fruit round, transfer, lunch, and airport/departure tax.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes strollers and service animals, with infants seated on laps.

Included Services

The Schooner Tour includes several services to enhance the experience. It provides a tour guide, a fruit round, and transfer to the Nautical Terminal.

Lunch is also included, as well as airport/departure tax. The tour is accessible to strollers, and service animals are allowed, though it’s not wheelchair accessible. Infants must sit on laps.

These inclusions aim to provide a comprehensive and convenient experience for travelers. However, some past customers have noted issues with the quality of the restaurant and the overall service delivery, so it’s important to manage expectations accordingly.

Meeting Point and Duration

The Schooner Tour departs from the Tourist Terminal Náutico da Bahia, located at Av. da França, s/n – Comercio, Salvador – BA, 40010-000, Brazil.

Boarding begins at 7:00 am, and the tour starts promptly at 7:30 am. The tour duration is flexible, but the boat typically returns to the same meeting point by the end of the day.

Here are a few key details about the tour’s schedule:

1. Early Departure: The tour starts at 7:30 am, allowing ample time to explore the islands.

2. Boarding Time: Travelers should arrive at the terminal by 7:00 am to board the schooner.

3. Flexible Return: The tour’s end time varies, but the boat typically returns to the original meeting point.

4. Punctuality: Guests are advised to be on time to ensure a smooth and coordinated departure.

Positive Customer Feedback

Many travelers have praised the friendly staff and clean boat on the Schooner Tour. One reviewer, Ryan_N, noted the pleasant experience, saying the staff was friendly and the boat was well-maintained.

Another customer, Matthew_H, enjoyed the tour’s stops at both Frades Islands and Itaparica, describing the experience as enjoyable.

Delia_N highlighted the great atmosphere on board, which featured live music that created a lively ambiance.

Negative Customer Feedback

Although the tour received generally positive reviews, some customers expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the experience.

According to feedback, there were issues with:

1. Miscommunication regarding the English-speaking guide, which led to confusion and disappointment for some travelers.

2. The tour not meeting advertised expectations, such as unexpected large group sizes and schedule changes.

3. The quality and pricing of the restaurant provided on the islands, with some reporting unsatisfactory meals.

4. The live music on board, which varied in quality and left some customers feeling the experience wasn’t as enjoyable as expected.

What to Bring and Expect

Travelers should bring sunblock to protect themselves from the sun during the tour.

Prepare for swimming and lounging on the beach at the islands.

Expect limited dining options once on the islands, so it’s advisable to seek alternatives to the restaurant provided if unsatisfied.

The live music on board may vary in quality, but tipping the musicians is appreciated to support the local culture.

Overall, be ready for a mix of experiences – the islands’ natural beauty contrasting with the quality of service.

With the right preparation, visitors can make the most of this schooner tour.

Dining Recommendations

The limited dining options on the islands may present a challenge for some visitors.

Based on reviewer feedback, here are a few key dining recommendations:

1. Expect basic fare, such as basic sandwiches or grilled fish, at the restaurant provided with the tour.

2. Some reviews suggest the food quality and pricing at the on-site restaurant may not meet expectations.

3. Consider packing your own snacks or meals to have more control over your dining experience.

4. Explore alternative dining options on the islands, if available, for potentially better quality and value.

Cancellation Policy and Confirmation

According to the details provided, travelers can take advantage of the tour’s flexible cancellation policy. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This allows for last-minute changes in plans or unexpected situations.

Upon booking, travelers will receive confirmation immediately. This confirmation includes all the necessary details, such as the meeting point, tour duration, and included services.

The clear cancellation policy and prompt confirmation provide peace of mind when planning this schooner tour to the Frades Islands and Itaparica from Salvador, Bahia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable and casual attire is recommended. Guests should dress for the beach and prepare for swimming and sun exposure during the excursion.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

The tour allows you to bring your own food and drinks. However, some reviews suggest the included lunch may not be satisfactory, so packing your own provisions could be a good idea.

Is There an Age Limit or Restrictions for Children?

There are no age restrictions for the tour, but infants must sit on laps. The tour is stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Specific details about children’s policies may need to be confirmed with the tour operator.

Can We Disembark at the Islands for Exploring?

Yes, the tour allows passengers to disembark at the islands for exploring. Travelers can enjoy activities like swimming and lounging on the beaches during their time on the islands.

Is There Wi-Fi or Phone Connectivity During the Tour?

No, there’s likely no reliable Wi-Fi or phone connectivity during the tour. The islands are remote, and the boat may not have onboard connectivity. Travelers should plan accordingly and expect to be disconnected from digital devices throughout the experience.