Bombinhas: Zimbros Boat Tour, 10 Beaches & Waterfall Trail

Summary

Boat along Zimbros coast, hike to waterfalls, taste oysters

You’ll cruise along Bombinhas’ wild Zimbros coast by boat with a local guide, stopping at ten nearly empty beaches and hiking through forest to swim under a cold waterfall. Taste fresh oysters straight from the farm and visit an old lithic workshop before cooling off in natural pools — it’s all included. Expect moments of laughter, silence, and maybe muddy shoes.

What’s the experience like?

"You can always tell if the oysters are fresh by how quiet everyone gets," our captain joked as we drifted past the first oyster farm near Zimbros. I’d never really thought about silence as a sign of good food, but he was right — when we tried them later, nobody said a word for a minute. The water smelled faintly salty and green, like wet rope and sun-warmed wood. We set off early from Bombinhas, the air still cool enough that my shirt stuck to my back only after we’d passed Cardoso Beach and the sun got serious.

There’s something about seeing ten deserted beaches in one morning that makes you lose track of names — Basílio, Lagoa, Casqueiro… I kept asking our guide Li which one we were at now (she just grinned and pointed at her map). Each beach felt different: some had soft sand like sifted flour; others were pebbly and made my flip-flops sound ridiculous. At Praia Triste, we left the boat for a trail through thick trees — 700 meters isn’t far until you’re climbing over roots and trying not to slip on damp leaves. The waterfall wasn’t huge but cold enough to shock me awake. I dunked my head anyway.

The lithic workshop stop was unexpected — old stone tools scattered on tables, with a local explaining (in Portuguese mostly) how people shaped them ages ago. I understood maybe half but Li translated bits for us; she laughed when I tried repeating “lítica” properly. Afterward, swimming in the natural pools felt earned — water clear as glass, tiny fish darting around my toes.

I still think about that stretch of quiet between beaches, just the hum of the engine and wind in my ears. It’s not a polished kind of beauty here — more raw edges than postcard views. The captain waved at other boats now and then; sometimes people waved back, sometimes they just watched us float by. I liked that nobody seemed in a rush.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour and waterfall trail visit

• Boat sails through 10 deserted beaches
• Stop at Praia Triste and visit lithic workshop
• Walk 700 meters to waterfall
• Swim in natural park pools

Top questions

How many beaches do you visit on the Zimbros boat tour?

The tour navigates past 10 deserted beaches along the Zimbros coast near Bombinhas.

Is there a hike included during the day trip?

Yes, there’s a 700-meter medium-level trail through forest leading to a waterfall at Praia Triste.

Are children allowed on the waterfall trail?

No, children under 5 years old are not permitted on the waterfall trail due to safety reasons.

What’s included in this Bombinhas boat tour?

The tour includes photos taken by staff, guided visits to oyster farms and shellfish sites, access to the waterfall trail, entry to the lithic workshop, and swimming stops.

How difficult is the waterfall trail?

The trail is considered medium level with some roots and uneven ground; moderate fitness is needed.

Is lunch or food provided during this day trip?

No formal lunch is included but you will have tastings at oyster farms; bring snacks if needed.

Can elderly travelers join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for elderly travelers or those with reduced mobility due to walking requirements.

What’s included

Your day covers guided boat navigation past ten deserted beaches near Zimbros with stops for swimming in natural pools, tastings at local oyster and shellfish farms, entry to a historic lithic workshop in Bombinhas, plus all photos taken by staff along with time for hiking out to bathe under a cool forest waterfall before heading back by boat.