Introduction
Boipeba is a tranquil island in the remote Tinharé archipelago, on the Dendê Coast in the south of Bahia state. Rainforest, sand dunes, mangroves and palm-lined beaches contribute to the lovely escapist feel of this island, which is known as an important habitat for turtles. In fact, the island's name derives from mboi pewa, a Tupy Indian word that means flat snake, in reference to the sea turtle - and nesting turtles and hatchlings can sometimes be seen on Boipeba's sandy beaches.
Boipeba is a quiet island, with a handful of restaurants and simple pousada accommodation. The small fishing village of Moreré and the wonderfully named Inferno River are worth seeing, but the real pleasures to be had here are simple ones - walking along the beach and swaying in a hammock beneath a shady palm.