Discover the Abrolhos Archipelago: a refuge for humpback whales and marine biodiversity

The Abrolhos Archipelago is a refuge and nursery for humpback whales.

Its reefs are internationally recognised by the SCT as having the greatest biodiversity in the entire South Atlantic.

Origin of the name

The name Abrolhos was given by Portuguese navigators in the 17th century. As it was an area with many coral formations, dangerous for ships (risk of shipwreck), they called the region “open your eyes“. Over time the name evolved into Abrolhos.

Structure of the archipelago

The Abrolhos Archipelago is made up of five islands, but you can only disembark and visit one of them, Siriba. The main attractions are therefore in the water.

Activities and attractions

Diving allows you to appreciate the reefs and all the marine life. Watching humpback whales is a great diversion from the boat trips.

Importance of the region

To give you an idea of the importance of this region, around 80 per cent of the humpback whales counted on the northeastern and southeastern coasts of Brazil are usually sighted there.

See the map of Costa das Baleias

Videos of Abrolhos Archipelago

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Fundo do mar do Arquipélago de Abrolhos

Arquipelago de Abrolhos - Globo Reporter10:47

Arquipélago de Abrolhos - Reportagem Completa49:17

Arquipélago de Abrolhos - Mar de Abrolhos10:23

Abrolhos Archipelago – Characteristics, geography and tourism

An average of 30 humpback whales a day can be seen in the Abrolhos Sea, along with other whales such as the Right whale and the Minke whale, as well as cetaceans such as the Bottlenose dolphin, the Rough-toothed dolphin and the Grey dolphin, Pantropical spotted dolphin, and an abundance of birds.

The five small islands, arranged in an arc because they were probably once part of a volcanic crater, are home to large populations of several species of seabirds.

The Redonda is inhabited by frigate birds and the Guarita by Benedictines, On the Sueste the Brown Boobies are concentrated, while the White Boobies are divided between the Siriba and the Santa Bárbara.

Underwater, Abrolhos is home to the largest group of corals in the South Atlantic, including the Capeirão, a unique mushroom-like coral formation.

From April to December, the visibility reaches 20 metres, transforming the place into a veritable natural aquarium, with a multitude of colourful little fish swimming among groupers, rays, turtles, barracudas and sharks.

5 species of turtles found in Brazil

1. The 5 islands of the Abrolhos Archipelago

1. Santa Bárbara

The only inhabited island, where some military personnel and Ibama employees live. Visits to the Abrolhos National Marine Park are strictly controlled to ensure that all this luxurious environmental heritage remains well preserved.

2. Siriba Island

The only island in the park open to visitors, you disembark and walk along a 1,600 metre path that circles the island. At the south-western tip of the island, hundreds of small shells and coral form a kind of beach. At the other end are natural pools, home to colourful fish and snails. A large number of pilots look for Siriba to make their nests.

3. Guarita Island

The smallest island in the park, it’s full of rounded rocks that look like they’ve been painted white. In reality, this colour comes from the droppings of the many birds that live there, such as the Benedito, which have chosen the island to rest and breed.

4. Redonda Island

The highest of the islands, after Santa Bárbara, which is outside the park boundaries. It has steep slopes where frigate birds often nest. In summer it is visited by loggerhead turtles to lay their eggs.

5. Sueste Island

The most remote of the archipelago, 1,300 metres from Siriba, it is also the most unspoilt, precisely because it is so difficult to reach. The absence of man on the island allows seabirds to build their nests in almost every corner.

2. Diving in the Abrolhos Archipelago

2.1 Rosalina Shipwreck

The stern is at a depth of 20 metres, but the bow rises to the surface at low tide, providing good snorkelling and diving. Peek through the hatches and climb the ladder on deck.

Beware of the currents, which are usually very strong here.

2.2 Santa Bárbara Island Cove

One of the main snorkelling sites in the park, it allows the observation of whiting and razor clams, which, accustomed to human presence, approach divers.

2.3 Siriba – Redonda Prairie

Situated between Siriba and Redonda Islands, this is a shallow area with a sandy bottom where you’ll find coral heads in abundance. It is also home to schools of surgeonfish and huge, playful square whiting. Look closely and you can see butter rays and quiver rays buried in the sand.

2.4 Siriba Caves

The caves in the walls of Siriba Island attract a variety of fish that use them as shelter. Here you can see caramurus (or green whale), basking fish and the colourful kingfisher or ciliaris.

2.5 Timbebas Reef

Located in the park area but far from the archipelago, this reef is visible at low tide and is a great snorkelling spot. Fish of all colours and shapes can be seen here, with large fans of fire coral.

3. Siriba Island Trails

The only trail in the park goes around Siriba Island, allowing you to see its rock formations. The most interesting part, however, is the chance to see the nests of the atobás.

In all, the walk is 1,600 metres long. Depending on the tide, it’s not possible to walk around the whole island, as the waves break over the rocks, making the walk dangerous.

It is compulsory to be accompanied by a guide who will explain the local flora, fauna and geology. It is forbidden to walk around the interior of the island because of the presence of seabirds and their nests.

Be sure to take a look at the natural pools, where an infinity of marine life brings the dark rock to life.

How to get to the Abrolhos Archipelago

The only way to get to Abrolhos is by boat from the city of Caravelas, which is the closest to the islands and about 836 kilometres from Salvador.

The journey to Abrolhos takes between 2.5 and 5 hours, depending on the type of boat.

Tourist guide to the Abrolhos Archipelago

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