Praia de Arembepe, Beach in Camaçari, Brazil

Praia de Arembepe is a beach along the Atlantic coast in Camaçari featuring natural pools formed by coral reefs at low tide that offer swimming throughout the day. Multiple food stands, restrooms, and parking areas provide direct access from the main coastal road.

In 1574 the Portuguese nau Santa Clara, returning to Portugal, struck a reef near this beach and sank around midnight. Its captain, Luís de Alter de Andrade, died along with more than 300 people aboard. The ship went down with a cargo of gold and spices.

The beach remains connected to traditional fishing communities whose members use methods taught by their ancestors to bring in fresh catch daily. Visitors can watch the fishermen at work and learn about their way of life.

Arembepe lies about 41 km north of Salvador on the toll road Linha Verde (BA-099, Estrada do Coco), with a good bus connection from the capital. The long beach has several beach bars serving fish and fish dishes, and the village has guesthouses and restaurants. Weekend visitors from Salvador arrive by bus along this road.

A sea turtle conservation station operates directly on the beach, letting visitors observe efforts to protect these endangered animals. The facility tracks turtle migration patterns along the Brazilian coast.