Background

Naufrágio Maraldi: A Submerged Piece of Salvador's History

Explore the underwater remains of the Maraldi shipwreck, a shallow dive site teeming with marine life off the coast of Salvador's Barra neighborhood.

5

The Naufrágio Maraldi is the wreck of an English steamship that sank off the coast of Barra in 1875. Today, it's a popular spot for divers and snorkelers, offering a glimpse into the past and a chance to observe marine life.

A brief summary to Naufrágio Maraldi

  • Av. Sete de Setembro, 4188, Salvador, Barra, State of Bahia, 40140-110, BR
  • Monday 8 pm-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12:25 pm
  • Wednesday 9:36 am-12 am
  • Thursday 1:15 pm-12 am
  • Friday 6:37 am-12:18 am
  • Saturday 6:38 am-6:58 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • The currents can be strong, so plan your visit during high tide when the currents are gentler, especially during the crescent or waning moon phases.
  • Bring your own snorkeling or diving gear, or rent it from one of the dive shops in Barra.
  • Consider hiring a local dive operator for a guided tour of the wreck, especially if you are a beginner.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Farol da Barra (Barra Lighthouse) for panoramic views of the coastline.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Farol da Barra (Barra Lighthouse), walk along the beach towards Porto da Barra. The shipwreck is located in the shallow waters between the lighthouse and Forte de Santa Maria, approximately 80 meters from the shore. Access to the site is directly from the beach. No special transport tickets or access fees are required.

  • Public Transport

    Take a city bus to the Barra neighborhood. Several bus routes serve this area from various points in Salvador. From the bus stop in Barra, walk towards the Farol da Barra and access the beach. The shipwreck is located in the shallow waters between the lighthouse and Forte de Santa Maria. The bus fare is R$5.20. No special transport tickets or access fees are required.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Take a taxi or ride-share service (such as Uber or 99) to Avenida Sete de Setembro in Barra, near the Farol da Barra. From there, walk towards the lighthouse and access the beach. The shipwreck is located in the shallow waters between the lighthouse and Forte de Santa Maria. A short taxi ride from other parts of Barra should cost approximately R$15-25. No special transport tickets or access fees are required.

Unlock the Best of Naufrágio Maraldi

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Naufrágio Maraldi

The Naufrágio Maraldi, or Maraldi shipwreck, is a submerged historical site located just off the coast of Farol da Barra in Salvador, Bahia. The ship, originally named Maraldi, was an English vessel belonging to the Brazil & River Plate Mail Stemears company. In 1875, en route from Buenos Aires to Amsterdam carrying wool and leather, the ship ran aground on the reefs near the entrance to Baía de Todos os Santos (All Saints Bay). Today, the wreck lies less than 80 meters from the shore, in shallow waters. While largely dismantled over time, parts of the ship remain, including sections of the stern, hull, and frames, as well as some mooring bitts and a boiler. The site has become a haven for marine life, attracting a variety of fish and other sea creatures. The Naufrágio Maraldi is popular with both beginner and experienced divers and snorkelers. Its shallow depth makes it accessible for those with basic equipment, while its historical significance and diverse marine life offer an engaging experience. Divers can explore the remnants of the ship, observe the marine ecosystem that has developed around it, and capture underwater photographs.

Popular Experiences near Naufrágio Maraldi

Popular Hotels near Naufrágio Maraldi

Select Currency