The Abrolhos Archipelago in Brazil – Travel Guide

Experience one of South America’s most diverse marine habitats in this archipelago in Bahia.

 

Deep in South America, far from the packed beaches and already beaten tourist tracks, lies a secret underwater realm: The Abrolhos Archipelago in Brazil, a protected spot on the southern coast of Bahia. Known for its rare coral formations and historic shipwrecks, it offers an intimate and authentic encounter with nature. 

This is one of the remotest and best-preserved destinations in the second half of the north-east, home to the greatest coral reefs in the South Atlantic. That’s why it’s the unassailable diving destination of the country, and for the best coral island experience, where you can observe an active marine life among the great chapeirões, individual mushroom-shaped coral formations. 

Abrolhos is a place to meditate silently on life and to hold nature in deep and holy regard. If you’re in search of peace, untamed beauty, and pure adventure, this could very well be your next memorable trip. 

Are you ready to dive into this underwater paradise? 

Table of contents:

1. About Abrolhos 
2. What to do in Abrolhos
3. When is the best time to visit Abrolhos?
4. How to get to Abrolhos
5. Marine life in Abrolhos
6. How Many Days to Spend in Abrolhos?
7. Taxes and fees in Abrolhos
8. Where to stay in Abrolhos?

About Abrolhos 

Consisting of five volcanic islands (Santa Bárbara, Redonda, Guarita, Sueste, and Siriba) and a large coral reef, the area has a total area of 87,943 hectares and is part of the Abrolhos National Marine Park, the country’s first marine national park, established in 1983. 

The name Abrolhos is derived from a Portuguese term, “Abre Olhos,” which translates to “Open eyes.” As history has it, it was a caution call for 16th-century sailors and the dangerous region of reefs through which they traversed. 

Today, it is also a call to notice the incredible beauty and biodiversity hidden under the surface. The archipelago, which contains the largest coral complex in the South Atlantic, is home to hundreds of species of animals that dwell in and outside of the sea. It’s also a humpback whale nursery (they come to this area to breed). 

The reality is that despite its enormous ecological significance, Abrolhos is still predominantly off the traveller’s trail. There are no hotels on the islands, and tourism here is tightly restricted to help preserve its sensitive ecosystems. What you won’t find are beach bars or any resorts, but authentic wildlife experiences, world-class diving, or a quiet escape to maximum nature If that’s what you’re after, Abrolhos is worth the journey. 

Of the five islands, the only one currently inhabited is Santa Bárbara Island, populated by military personnel and their families, as well as researchers and employees of the Chico Mendes Conservation Institute (ICMBio), responsible for managing and preserving the park. Siriba Island is the only one open to visitors.

What to do in Abrolhos 

Even though the archipelago may appear remote, there’s plenty of adventure to discover, with nature lovers, divers, and anyone interested in low-impact travel in mind. Here are some ideas for what to see and do in the region: 

Diving and snorkeling 

This is what people are going here for. The reefs are alive, and visibility is typically great from December through May. 

Highlights include: 

• Chapeirões: These fantastic coral towers are inhabited by moray eels, turtles, nudibranchs, and all manner of colorful reef fish. 
• Parcel dos Abrolhos: Massive reef bank suitable for beginner and experienced divers.
• Shipwrecks: Several historic dive sites, including a British cargo ship (SS Rosalina, sunk in 1939) that now double as artificial reefs.
• Night Dives: Occasionally, certified divers have the option of doing a night dive on liveaboard boats. Even nondivers will find fantastic biodiversity snorkeling on the shallow reefs.

Whale watching 

No surprise that the Abrolhos Archipelago in Brazil is called a humpback whale nursery. These interesting animals of the sea, which are known to be migratory, travel from Antarctica to the Bahian coast from June to November to breed. Its appearance peaks in July to October. 

During this period, sightings are frequent and often impressive! It is common to see these incredible mammals jumping, slapping their tails, and singing on the surface.

Hiking on the Siriba Island trails 

It is the sole island in the archipelago open to the public. Hike along the trail with a park guide and look for seabirds, rock formations, and stunning landscapes. Bear in mind: this is a nature reserve, so respect for nature is crucial. 

When is the best time to visit Abrolhos? 

The best time to visit Abrolhos Marine National Park depends on what you are looking for. For diving and snorkeling, the best time is between December and February. The warm waters and fantastic visibility in the calm seas make it an understated paradise for activities in the water, so this is said to be the peak underwater season. 

If you prefer fewer tourists and good diving conditions, plan a trip between March and May. Waters are cooler and remain great for water excursions. From June through November, it’s whale season in Abrolhos. Many people visit to combine diving and whale watching.

Keep in mind that all maritime tours depend on weather conditions, especially wind speed and wave height. Operators typically cancel trips when winds exceed 20 knots, so it’s important to check the forecast before planning your visit.

How to get to Abrolhos 

To reach Abrolhos, you first need to travel to Caravelas, a small town on the coast of the state of southern Bahia. It is the primary point of departure for boat tours to the archipelago. Caravelas doesn’t have any major airports, so it takes some time to get there, though the extra effort is worth it. You can fly, drive, or take the bus, whatever suits your style of travel best. 

How to get to Caravelas? 

By plane: Best for speed and convenience. The closest large airport is Porto Seguro (BPS), about 145 km away from Caravelas. It is served by direct flights from cities including Salvador and Belo Horizonte. Caravelas is approximately 5 to 6 hours from Porto Seguro by car. Or, you can take a flight to Teixeira de Freitas Airport (TXF), which is approximately 90 km from here. The drive there is 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus. 

By car: Best for flexibility and wandering at your own pace. Caravelas is accessible by road from cities in Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Espírito Santo. In Vitória (ES), for example, the trip lasts approximately 8 hours, while traveling from São Paulo takes around 17 hours. 

Tip: Before you hit the road, check road conditions and plan your stops accordingly. 

By bus: Best for budget travelers. Caravelas is served by several bus companies such as Água Branca, Rota Transportes, Brasileiro, and Gontijo. Journeys usually take the Teixeira de Freitas route, and vary according to your point of departure. 

Tip: Purchase tickets in advance, especially in high season, and when visiting to watch the whales. 

How to get to the islands? 

Access is by boat only, and various tour operators, with licenses from the city of Caravelas, offer the trip. There are 2 primary options for doing this tour, both are amazing: 

Day trips: Perfect for those short on time, these tours head out early in the morning and return late in the evening. The itinerary also takes in Siriba Island and stops for snorkeling at reefs nearby, where corals, marine life, and turtles can be spotted. 

Liveaboards (overnight trips): For travelers who desire a comprehensive experience, liveaboards are the way to go. You spend the nights on board the boat and can go on multiple dives or snorkeling sessions each day, sometimes in further-out and more preserved areas. It’s the best way to get up close and personal with all the beauty of the Abrolhos Marine National Park. 

Either way, just make sure you choose an operator that is licensed by ICMBio and follows environmental regulations, that’s good for your safety and to preserve this very special ecosystem. 

Marine life in Abrolhos 

The marine life of Abrolhos is one of the most diverse in the Atlantic. The area is host to over 1,300 species of coral, many are endemic, that is, found nowhere else! 

• Coral: accustomed to the world’s largest colonies of Mussismilia braziliensis, endemic in Brazil. 
• Fish: parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, groupers, reef sharks. 
• Turtles: Green and Hawksbill turtles are commonly sighted. 
• Sea mammals: Humpback whales (seasonal), dolphins. 
• Invertebrates: Starfish, octopus, sponges, lobsters, etc. 

The reefs also act as breeding and nursery grounds for a number of animals and as a breeding ground for rare wildlife. 

How Many Days to Spend in Abrolhos? 

You can visit Abrolhos on a day trip from Caravelas, but to truly experience the archipelago, it’s best to stay 3 days. This gives you time for extra dives, more snorkeling, exploring remote reef areas, and a better chance of spotting humpback whales between July and November.

Staying longer also means you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the region without rushing. Whether you’re sleeping on a liveaboard or staying in Caravelas and joining daily excursions, having a few days allows you to connect more deeply with the unique marine life and natural beauty of the Abrolhos Marine National Park.

Sleeping on a liveaboard also lets you see Abrolhos in a much more serene, whole, and immersive way. 

👉 A great option is the 3-day package from PlanetaEXO, which includes sleeping on the boat, full board, and diving at the most outstanding points within the marine park. 

Taxes and fees in Abrolhos 

Before proceeding towards the Abrolhos Archipelago in Brazil, here are some of the compulsory and additional costs of the marine park visit, you should be aware of. 

Price of Admission to the Abrolhos Marine National Park 

The Abrolhos conservation fee for the protected area should be paid by all visitors: 

• Brazilian visitors: R$ 46 (value approximate) 
• Foreign visitors: R$ 92 (estimated) 
• Discounts: valid for children, students, and seniors upon presentation of documentation

Additional costs 

In addition to the park fee, there are other costs: 

• Boat rides (round trips or liveaboard) 
• Scuba diving or snorkeling Gear rental (if you don’t have your own) 
• Whale watching (when in season, July-November) tours 

👉 Important tip: bring cash. Even though some operators take cards, it is better to pay with cash for small expenses in Caravelas, such as local food, local transport, and extras, especially if you are going to places with poor or no internet signal or card machines. 

Where to stay in Abrolhos? 

There is no accommodation on the islands, which are a protected environmental area. For that reason, it’s not possible to stay overnight unless on a registered boat (or liveaboard) or on the mainland in towns like Caravelas, the gateway to the Abrolhos Archipelago in Brazil. 

The best way to enjoy this experience is during a liveaboard tour, where you dive and snorkel every day, with the help of professional guides. All boats must be registered with ICMBio and abide by environmental conservation regulations.

Where to stay in Caravelas 

Caravelas is a tranquil town and offers just a few places to stay, but they are all adequate. They’re mostly small inns and simple hotels. 

• Pousada das Sereias – This place is basic, clean, and a hit with the divers.
• Pousada Marina Porto Abrolhos – Marina and nice facilities.
• Hostels and camping – Available, but limited and basic

If you prefer more comfort or options, staying in Nova Viçosa, which is an hour away, is a good alternative. However, keep in mind the trip to the port for early morning departures.

Ready to embark on an adventure in the Abrolhos Archipelago? 

Abrolhos is not a common destination. Don’t expect beach clubs, luxury hotels, or easy access. What you will find here is something much more valuable: an untouched paradise, teeming with marine life, silence, and nature in its raw state.

The Abrolhos Archipelago in Brazil is somewhere for people who care about conservation, like a real adventure, and are taken by the wild beauty of the ocean. Descend to immense coral reefs, catch sight of humpback whales, or simply switch off in a marine sanctuary. 

If this adventure is for you, PlanetaEXO can take you there. Discover with us how to live this experience safely, consciously, and unforgettably.