cave · Iraquara, BA
Gruta da Pratinha
The cave is the source of the Pratinha River, which forms a small lake of clear water at the entrance, on private property. Visitors float with a mask and snorkel through the crystal-clear water, and the site also has a zip line.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Gruta da Pratinha
Gruta da Pratinha (cave) is on Fazenda Pratinha, a private farm in Iraquara, in Chapada Diamantina. It is the source of the Pratinha River: the water flows out of the cave and forms, right at the entrance, a lake of very clear water.
The most popular activity is floating inside the cave. With a life jacket, mask and snorkel, visitors follow a farm guide and float into the cave, seeing fish, rocks and the bottom through the clear water. The farm also provides flashlights for the darkest stretch.
Outside the cave, the lake is a swimming area and has a zip line. The farm also offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boats, horseback riding and underwater photos, plus a restaurant. Gruta Azul, for viewing only, is on the same property.
The place suits almost everyone: there is no long trail, and the float is done with a life jacket. It is one of the busiest outings in the Chapada, and most visitors arrive on full-day tours that combine Pratinha with other Iraquara caves.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow at least half a day for the float, a swim in the lake and Gruta Azul; with the zip line and lunch, it is worth the whole day.
Best time
On weekdays, outside holidays, when the farm is less crowded; if possible, time your visit to also see Gruta Azul in mid-afternoon, when the sun lights up the water.
How to get there
Fazenda Pratinha (a farm) is in the countryside of Iraquara, in Chapada Diamantina (BA), about an hour's drive from Lençóis. The most used route leaves Lençóis on the BR-242 and continues on a state road toward Iraquara, with signs to the farm. Many agencies in Lençóis and Palmeiras include it in full-day tours.
Tip
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel. The farm entrance and the float are charged separately; check rates and hours on the official website before you go.
Official website
A look at the place
Gruta da Pratinha in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gruta da Pratinha
Is there an entrance fee for Gruta da Pratinha?
Yes. There is a fee to enter Fazenda Pratinha, and the float and other activities, such as the zip line and kayaking, are charged separately. Check rates on the official website.
Can you swim at Pratinha?
Yes. The lake at the cave entrance is a swimming area, and inside the cave the activity is floating with a life vest, mask and snorkel.
Do I need a guide for the float?
The float inside the cave is done with the farm's own guides, who hand out the gear and accompany the group. You don't need to bring an outside guide to enter the farm.
How long does the outing take?
The float itself is short, but with a swim in the lake, Gruta Azul and the zip line, the visit usually takes half a day or more. Many full-day tours combine Pratinha with other Iraquara caves.
Is Gruta da Pratinha far from Lençóis?
It is in Iraquara, about an hour's drive from Lençóis, and is a common tour offered by agencies in town.