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Paddle Salvador: Hawaiian canoeing on All Saints Bay

A practical guide to Hawaiian outrigger canoe experiences in Salvador, with routes, beginner advice, safety notes and verified operators at Praia da Preguiça.

Salvador Insider Editorial Team

Paddlers in an outrigger canoe moving across All Saints Bay toward Forte São Marcelo in Salvador. — Paddling across All Saints Bay changes the scale of Salvador: the fort, the waterfront and the Upper City all become part of the same view.

Some of Salvador's best views are not on land. From an outrigger canoe, the city rearranges itself: Forte São Marcelo sits ahead in the bay, the Historic Center rises behind the waterfront and the cliffs of Vitória stretch along the coast. It is physical enough to feel like an adventure, but many guided outings are designed for people who have never paddled before.

Where the paddles begin

Praia da Preguiça, on Avenida Lafayete Coutinho near Comércio, has become Salvador's main concentration point for Hawaiian canoe clubs. Local reporting in 2026 counted 18 clubs operating along this stretch. For visitors, that concentration is useful: several operators offer guided sightseeing paddles rather than only training sessions for regular members.

What you may see from the water

Forte São Marcelo, sitting offshore between the port and the Historic Center skyline.
Mercado Modelo, Elevador Lacerda and the Upper City seen from the bay rather than from the usual viewpoints.
The Contorno waterfront, Gamboa and the MAM area on routes heading south.
Corredor da Vitória and the green cliffs above the bay on longer or sunset-oriented outings.
Swimming or photo stops on some routes when tide and sea conditions allow.

Choose your paddle

Experience	What to expect
Early morning	Cooler temperatures, softer light and often calmer conditions.
Daytime sightseeing	Routes commonly focus on Forte São Marcelo and the Historic Center waterfront.
Sunset	Routes toward Contorno, MAM, Gamboa or Vitória trade bright midday light for Salvador's bay sunset.
Full moon / night	Special scheduled outings offered by some clubs, usually only on selected dates and subject to safe sea conditions.

Do you need paddling experience?

Not necessarily. Operators such as ARS and Sol Va'a explicitly accept beginners and provide a briefing before departure. Life jackets are standard for guided outings, and some operators also provide dry bags for phones and small belongings. Follow the captain's instructions even if the water looks calm; the bay is still open water, not a decorative hotel pool.

What to bring

Light clothing or swimwear that can get wet.
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap or hat for daytime outings.
Drinking water.
A waterproof phone pouch if the operator does not provide a dry bag.
Very little else. Space aboard is limited and unnecessary luggage has a mysterious talent for becoming wet luggage.

Where to book your paddle

The options below are verified operators or clubs currently associated with guided paddles from Praia da Preguiça. They are not ranked and the list is not exhaustive. Contact the operator directly to confirm the route, departure time, current price, minimum group size and sea conditions.

Hoa Va'a Club

Praia da Preguiça, Av. Lafayete Coutinho, 660. Phone / WhatsApp: +55 71 99141-6869.

Sol Va'a

Praia da Preguiça. Phone / WhatsApp: +55 71 99228-1123. Current routes include Forte São Marcelo and sunset-oriented paddles.

ARS Clube de Remo Va'a

Praia da Preguiça, Av. Lafayete Coutinho. Phone / WhatsApp: +55 71 98387-7067. The current programme includes Forte São Marcelo, Corredor da Vitória and scheduled full-moon paddles.

Nalu Wa'a

Praia da Preguiça, beside the Amado restaurant area. The club offers guided bay paddles, full-moon outings and customised group experiences; booking is available through the WhatsApp button on its site.

Kaiaulu Va'a

Praia da Preguiça. Phone / WhatsApp: +55 71 98419-6372. Recent 2026 coverage confirms sightseeing and themed paddles, including routes with views toward Forte São Marcelo and Corredor da Vitória.

Frequently asked questions

Can beginners do Hawaiian canoeing in Salvador?: Yes. Several sightseeing operators explicitly accept first-time paddlers and give instruction before departure. Always confirm any age, mobility or swimming requirements with the operator you choose.
Are there night paddles in Salvador?: Yes. Some clubs schedule full-moon or themed night paddles on selected dates. They are not a daily service and depend on weather and sea conditions.
Where do most tourist paddles leave from?: Praia da Preguiça on Avenida Lafayete Coutinho is the main hub covered in this guide, with multiple clubs operating from the same waterfront stretch.