Abrolhos Marine National Park
An archipelago and coral bank off southern Bahia where humpback whales calve between July and November.
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Abrolhos is five small volcanic islands about seventy kilometres off Caravelas, sitting on the widest coral bank in the South Atlantic - and its corals are unusual, dominated by mushroom-shaped chapeiroes built by species found only in Brazilian waters, so the reefs look different from Caribbean or Pacific ones. Between roughly July and November the bank is the main calving ground for humpback whales in the western South Atlantic, and the population that comes here has recovered strongly from whaling. Above water there is a lighthouse on Santa Barbara, the only island that can be landed on, and dense colonies of frigatebirds, boobies and tropicbirds. Darwin passed through in 1830. Diving and snorkelling are limited to marked points and controlled by permit.
What you actually see
- Chapeirao corals - mushroom-shaped reef structures unique to Brazilian waters.
- Humpback calving - whales on the bank from about July to November.
- Seabird colonies - frigatebirds, boobies and tropicbirds on the islands.
- One landable island - Santa Barbara with its lighthouse.
When to go
July to November for whales, December to March for the clearest water. Two days.
Honest expectations
The crossing takes about four hours each way and is rough enough that seasickness is common; day trips make for a very long day. Only one island can be landed on and dive sites are permit controlled. Trips cancel in bad weather.
Nearby
Caravelas is the mainland port; Monte Pascoal is north up the coast.
What to pack for Abrolhos Marine National Park
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.