Discover the Abrolhos Archipelago: Refuge for Humpback Whales and Marine Biodiversity

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

Its reefs, which according to the SCT, are internationally recognised 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 began to call the region “open your eyes”. Over time, the name evolved into Abrolhos.

Structure of the Archipelago

The Abrolhos archipelago consists of five islands, but visitors are only allowed to disembark and visit one of them, Siriba. The main attractions, therefore, are in the water.

Activities and Attractions

When diving, you can enjoy the reefs and all the marine fauna. Humpback whale watching is the main attraction of the boat trips.

Importance of the Region

To get an idea of the importance of this region, around 80% of the humpback whales counted on the northeast and southeast coast of Brazil are usually sighted there.

See the map of the Whale Coast

Videos about the 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

In the Abrolhos Sea, it is possible to see an average of 30 humpback whales per day, among other whales, such as the right whale and the minke whale, as well as cetaceans such as the bottlenose dolphin, rough-toothed dolphins and grey dolphins, in the air you can see a profusion 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 various species of seabirds.

Redonda is occupied by frigates, Guarita by beneditos, Sueste is home to brown boobies, while the white boobies are divided between Siriba and Santa Bárbara.

Underwater, Abrolhos is home to the largest coral reef system in the South Atlantic, including the so-called chapeirão, a coral formation unique in the world, resembling a mushroom.

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

5 species of sea turtles found in Brazil

1. The five islands of the Abrolhos Archipelago

1. Santa Barbara

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

2. Siriba Island

The only part of the park open to visitors, upon disembarking you walk along a 1,600-metre trail that circles the island. Hundreds of small shells and corals accumulate at the southwestern tip of the island, forming a kind of beach.

The other end is formed by natural pools that are home to colourful fish and snails. A large number of pilots seek out Siriba to build their nests.

3. Guarita Island

It is the smallest part of the park and is full of rounded stones that look as if they have been painted white. In reality, this colour comes from the droppings of the countless birds that live there, such as the Benedito, which have chosen the island as a place to land and breed.

4. Round Island

The highest of all, second only to Santa Bárbara, which lies outside the park boundaries. It has steep slopes where frigatebirds often build their nests. During the summer, it is visited by loggerhead turtles for spawning.

5. Sueste Island

The furthest island in the archipelago is 1,300 metres from Siriba and is also the best preserved, precisely because of its difficult access. The absence of humans on the island allows seabirds to spread their nests to almost every corner.

2. Diving in the Abrolhos Archipelago

2.1. Shipwreck of the Rosalina

The stern lies at a depth of 20 metres, but the bow rises above the surface at low tide, offering good opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving. Peek through the hatches and climb the ladder on the deck.

Be careful with the currents, which are usually very strong in this area.

2.2. Santa Bárbara Island Cove

One of the main diving spots in the park, it allows visitors to observe whiting and parrotfish, which are accustomed to human presence and approach divers.

2.3. Siriba Prairie – Round

Located between Siriba and Redonda islands, it is a shallow area with a sandy bottom, where coral heads are found in abundance. Schools of surgeonfish and huge, lazy square-tailed whiting also swim here. If you look closely, you can see butterfish and trembling fish buried in the sand.

2.4. Siriba Caves

The cavities in the wall of Siriba Island attract various fish, which use them as shelter. Here you can see caramurus (or green mullet), monkfish and the colourful royal monkfish or ciliaris.

2.5. Timbebas Reef

Included in the Park area, but distant from the archipelago, the reef is visible at low tide and is a great spot for snorkelling. Fish of all colours and shapes can be seen here, where large fans of fire coral are found.

3. Siriba Island Trail

The only trail in the park circles Siriba Island, allowing visitors to observe its rock formations. The most interesting thing, however, is the opportunity to see the nests of the boobies up close.

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

Here, it is mandatory to be accompanied by a guide, who will show you the local flora, fauna and geology. Walking around the interior of the island is prohibited, precisely because of the presence of seabirds and their nests in the area.

Be sure to take a peek at the natural pools, where a multitude of marine creatures bring the dark rock to life.

How to get to the Abrolhos Archipelago

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

The journey time to Abrolhos varies from two and a half to five hours, depending on the type of vessel.

Tourist Guide to the Abrolhos Archipelago

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