Things To Do
in Cocos
Located on the eastern Brazilian coast in Bahia, Cocos blends laid-back beach life with a tight-knit rural community. Colorful houses line narrow streets, and the rhythms of Bahian music spill from cafés and markets. The town is known for friendly locals, fresh seafood, and easy access to mangrove trails and coastal viewpoints.
Visitors can unwind on quiet beaches, sample Afro-Brazilian cuisine, and explore nearby ecological reserves.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Cocos Airport and enjoy a warm welcome from the local community. After checking into your accommodation, settle in and take a leisurely stroll around the town to get acquainted with your surroundings. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh fruits and açaí bowls.
Explore the nearby beaches, where you can relax on the golden sands or take a refreshing swim in the calm waters. Indulge in a beachside lunch with fresh seafood and local specialties while soaking up the sun. Consider renting a kayak to explore the coastal beauty from a different perspective.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant for an authentic dining experience featuring regional cuisine. Join in on a cultural show where local musicians play traditional instruments, immersing yourself in Brazilian culture. End the evening with a stroll under the stars, enjoying the serene atmosphere of Cocos.
Attend a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Bahian dishes, engaging with friendly locals as they share their culinary secrets. Use fresh ingredients sourced from local markets to create your meal, experiencing the vibrant flavors of the region. Savor what you've cooked while exchanging stories with fellow participants.
Visit the Cocos Cultural Center, where you can immerse yourself in the local history, art, and music of the area. Engage with local artisans and admire handmade crafts before heading out to explore the streets adorned with colorful murals. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café known for its coffee and pastry offerings.
Join a community dance event that celebrates local traditions, allowing you to learn and enjoy Brazilian dance styles. Embrace the lively atmosphere and socialize with both locals and fellow travelers. Wind down with a casual nightcap at a beachfront bar while listening to live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $2-4 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 💇Basic haircut | $6-12 |
| 🚌One-way public transport ticket | $0.80-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed pace of life and friendly locals
- Excellent seafood and Bahian cuisine
- Affordable coastal experiences and easy day trips
- Limited large-city nightlife compared to bigger urban centers
- Seasonal weather can impact outdoor plans
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Obrigado" - Thank you
- "Quero and ter ajuda" - I would like help
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Cocos
Visit one of these nice places.
Long, sandy shoreline with gentle waves and warm light at sunrise and sunset; ideal for silhouette portraits and landscape shots.
Raised wooden path winding through mangroves; home to diverse birds and reflections on calm tidal pools.
Cliffside viewpoint near the lighthouse offering panoramic Atlantic views and dramatic sunsets.
Food in Cocos
Cocos Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Black-eyed pea fritters fried in dendê oil, typically split and filled with vatapá or caruru; best found at street stalls and markets around the town.
Must-Try!
A rich fish or seafood stew cooked with coconut milk, palm oil, peppers, and cilantro; usually served with rice and farofa.
Creamy shrimp or fish paste sauce blended with bread or tapioca, coconut milk, and dendê oil; often paired with acarajé or rice.
Coconut-based dessert or candy, ranging from chewy to crumbly, perfect as a sweet finish or snack on the go.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Town market offering fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and spices; a great place to sample local snacks and mingle with residents.
Open-air stalls by the harbor featuring daily catches, coconut treats, and grilled skewers; ideal for a casual lunch.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Handshake is common; among friends and family, a warm hug or cheek kiss may be common depending on familiarity. Address locals politely by using short greetings first.
Casual, comfortable clothing is typical in day-to-day life; dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Public displays of affection are generally acceptable but keep local customs in mind.
Show courtesy to fishermen at the dock and elders; listen before speaking and use a polite tone when asking for directions.
Safety
Tipping in Cocos
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a small tip of 5–10% is appreciated if service is good; many places include a service charge. Cash tips are common, especially at smaller venues.
Cash is widely accepted, but many shops and restaurants also take credit cards; mobile payments (including Pix) are increasingly common for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent sunshine; stay hydrated, use reef-safe sunscreen, and seek shade during peak afternoon heat.
Afternoon downpours are common; trails can become muddy but landscapes are lush and vibrant; bring a compact rain jacket.
Lower humidity and cooler evenings; great for outdoor activities and clear coastal views.
Cocos at Night
Hiking in Cocos
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of coastal and hill trails offering ocean views, forested sections, and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
Airports
How to reach Cocos by plane.
Closest regional airport with domestic flights; straightforward connections to major Brazilian cities.
Larger international hub; offers broader flight options; typically reached by longer road transfer from Cocos.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents have roots in fishing and coastal livelihoods, contributing to the town’s seafood-driven culture.
Agricultural communities nearby influence local markets with fresh produce and rural crafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local pickup games and small leagues occur on weekends.
Common on beach fronts; casual competitions and sand-friendly recreation year-round.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cocos.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries offer vegetable stews, rice and beans, plant-based broths, and grilled vegetables; communicate dairy or egg needs clearly, and ask for dendê-free options when needed.