Considered the cradle of marine biodiversity in the South Atlantic, the Abrolhos Marine National Park is a destination that transcends conventional tourism. Created in 1983, it was the first marine national park in Brazil, a landmark in our country's conservation history.

Visiting Abrolhos is an immersion into an ecological sanctuary of crystal-clear waters, unique coral formations, and the main refuge for the giants of the sea, the Humpback whales. In this guide, you will find all the necessary information to understand and plan your visit to this paradise.

The Unique Biodiversity of Abrolhos

The richness of Abrolhos lies in its vibrant and complex ecosystem. The park is world-famous for its coral formations, especially the "chapeirões," mushroom-shaped structures that can reach over 20 meters in height, creating a spectacular underwater labyrinth.

This habitat is home to an immense variety of life:

• Corals: Including Mussismilia braziliensis, the famous brain coral, endemic to Brazil.
• Fish: From colorful reef species to large groupers and barracudas.
• Sea Turtles: Four of the five species found in Brazil use the area for feeding and resting.
• Seabirds: The islands are important nesting grounds for birds like the masked booby, the brown booby, and the red-billed tropicbird.

The Nursery of the Humpback Whales

The main spectacle in Abrolhos takes place every year, between July and November. The park is recognized as the most important breeding and calving nursery for Humpback whales in the entire South Atlantic.

After a long journey from the cold waters of Antarctica, thousands of whales arrive in the region to mate, give birth, and nurse their young in safety. Witnessing their acrobatic leaps, sprays, and the peaceful swim between mother and calf is a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

Veja nosso Guia Completo de Observação de Baleias para planejar sua visita na temporada.

How to Visit the Park and Rules of Conduct

Access to the Abrolhos National Marine Park is exclusively by sea, with authorized boats departing from the city of Caravelas, Bahia.To ensure the preservation of this sanctuary, there are important visitation rules that every tourist must follow:

• Controlled Landing: The only island open for monitored landing is Siriba Island, where a circular trail allows for observing bird nests.
• Do Not Feed the Animals: Interaction with the fauna should be observational only.
• Zero Waste: All trash produced during the tour must be brought back to the mainland.
• Distance from Whales: Vessels follow strict approach regulations to avoid stressing the animals.

There are two main ways to explore the park:

1. Day Trip: A full-day tour, ideal for those with less time. It includes navigation, snorkeling, a visit to Siriba Island, and, during the season, plenty of whale watching.
2. Live Aboard: For a more immersive experience, especially for certified divers. You sleep on board a catamaran for 2 to 4 days, which allows for exploring more remote dive sites, shipwrecks, and even night dives.