When you get at the small Nova Caraiva port, you will find several canoes waiting to make the river crossing to the village.
With backpacks and luggage in paddle canoes, it’s time to board. Take a look around you; You will start getting enchanted.
All electrical wiring is underground so as not to interfere with the landscape. Each resident illuminates his or her door as they see fit, lights on trees or on the doorsteps lightening just enough during new moon nights.
The sky, the river, the sea beyond and the mangrove completing the frame, a spectacle of nature to welcome you.
River crossing
The crossing isn’t long, a few minutes and you are already on the other side of the river and in another universe, the Village of Caraiva.
Take the opportunity during the crossing to take the first pictures and change the shoes for the slippers. The streets of Caraiva are all sandy and walking wearing shoes is difficult.
At the port of Caraiva several porters offer their services to those who have too heavy luggage. They also know where to find the lodges and campsites.
Once you settle in, it’s time to start enjoying it for real. For those who arrive in the end of the day, the tip is to go to Barra beach where the river meets the sea to watch the sunset and take advantage of getting fully into the Caraiva vibe.
For those arriving in the morning the options are many, you can start by having a sea bath and then, taste some truly delightfull fish in one of the beachside tents.
The village
In the village of Caraíva you will find health center, police station, Municipal School library, church, drugstore, bakery and a small local commerce. There are two public pay phones available, some cell phone operators have signal connection at the Barra beach, but it is not always that it works. Some inns and restaurants have rural cell phones. There is a cyber coffee shop with internet connection at Porto das Canoas street.
During high season, the number of visitors grows a lot, and it is wise to arrive with your reservation done, especially for New Year time. Even with this such big tourists movement, Caraiva has a strong personality of isolated paradise.
So get ready to experience an amazing time in a very different place, with simple structure, peculiar way of life, many stories and an indescribable natural beauty.