Ilha de Tinharé, Protected island in Cairu Archipelago, Brazil.
Tinharé is an island in the Cairu Archipelago off the Bahian coast, where reef-protected beaches and deep waters characterize the eastern shoreline. The landscape is covered with vegetation, while footpaths and waterways connect the scattered coastal settlements.
The island emerged during the colonial period as a maritime checkpoint, linking different sections of the Brazilian coast through its strategic position. This role shaped its settlement patterns and connections to other regions for centuries.
The residents blend Portuguese, Dutch, and Indigenous traditions visible in fishing methods and local celebrations held throughout the year. This heritage shapes how people work and gather, reflecting generations of settlement on the island.
The island is reached by regular boat services from Salvador or Valença, with travel times ranging from 2 to 3 hours depending on weather. The absence of motor vehicles means getting around relies on walking or wooden boat rides, which shapes how you move through it.
The lack of motor vehicles creates a network of footpaths and waterways where wooden boats transport goods between settlements, keeping the island separate from modern traffic patterns. This isolation has helped preserve traditional crafts and fishing knowledge that has been passed down for generations.
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