Tour operators around town operate a fairly standard package of tours. A reliable company is Tatur (tel. 071/3450-7216; www.tatur.com.br). The half-day city tours include either a visit to Pelourinho or a more panoramic tour to the lighthouse and the beaches. They range from R$40 to R$60 (US$17-US$25). Full-day schooner tours in the Bay of All Saints usually stop at Ilha dos Frades and Itaparica. Cost is about R$50 to R$60 (US$21-US$25). A number of evening tours include dinner and a folklore show, or a visit to a Candomblé ceremony. Prices range from R$60 to R$120 (US$25-US$50). Farther afield, full-day tours to Praia do Forte or Morro de São Paulo depart Salvador almost every day.
Praia do Forte costs R$60 to R$120 (US$25-US$50), while a day trip to Morro de São Paulo starts at R$120 (US$50) for the catamaran option or up to R$350 (US$146) for the plane option. To book any of these tours, contact Tatur (tel. 071/3450-7216; www.tatur.com.br), or Prive Tur (tel. 071/3338-1320; www.privetur.com.br).
Tour Guides -- Salvador's attractions are so easily accessible that it's not really necessary to take an organized city tour. For Pelourinho it is a much better deal to book a tour guide through Singtur, the guiding association, Praça José Anchieta 12, second floor, Pelourinho (tel. 071/3322-1017). Two people can hire a guide for a few hours starting at R$30 (US$13), depending on your negotiation skills, for a tour customized to your interests. You want churches, you want views, or you want Afro-Brazilian art? Just let the guides know (before you book) what you would like to see.
Boat Tours -- Definitely worth the money are the schooner trips in the Bay of All Saints that depart daily from the dock in Comércio. The city views from the water are fabulous, and the beaches at Ilha do Frade and Itaparica are quite refreshing. Plus, if you've been wandering around the city for a day or two, it's a great feeling to be out on the water. To book a schooner trip contact Prive Tur (tel. 071/3338-1320) or Tatur (tel. 071/3450-7216). Prices range from R$50 to R$75 (US$21-US$31) including pickup and drop-off at your hotel.
Specialty Tours -- For more specialized tours contact Brazil Nuts (tel. 800/553-9959 in the U.S., or 941/593-0266; www.brazilnuts.com). This company offers a number of interesting multiday customized excursions such as African-heritage tours, folklore, history, or even archaeological tours to Bahia's interior.
