Abrolhos Marine National Park

Abrolhos Marine Overview

Abrolhos Marine National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos, is a marine conservation area located off the southern coast of the state of Bahia, Brazil.

Encompassing approximately 336 square miles, or about 870 square kilometers, this park protects an archipelago of volcanic islands, coral reefs, and surrounding ocean waters. Established in 1983, it was Brazil’s first marine park and remains one of the country’s most significant marine biodiversity hotspots.

The park is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) off the coast of the town of Caravelas. Its name, “Abrolhos,” is derived from the Portuguese expression “abre olhos,” meaning “open your eyes,” a historic maritime warning about the dangerous reefs.

The park features a dynamic landscape of shallow coral reefs, submerged banks, and five main islands—Santa Bárbara, Redonda, Siriba, Guarita, and Sueste—though only Siriba Island is accessible to visitors.

The underwater terrain includes chasms, drop-offs, and a reef structure known as chapeirões, which are mushroom-shaped coral formations unique to the region. On land, low vegetation clings to the rocky outcrops of the islands, while underwater ecosystems flourish with vibrant hard and soft corals, algae, and seagrasses that form the foundation of marine life here. The reefs around Parcel dos Abrolhos and Timbebas are among the most developed in the South Atlantic and are vital for both ecological balance and scientific study.

Wildlife within the park is abundant and diverse. Key mammals include migrating humpback whales that visit the park between July and November to breed and nurse their calves in its warm, shallow waters. These majestic creatures are a central attraction and a conservation success story, as their populations have been steadily rebounding.

The park is also home to various species of dolphins and sea turtles, including the green and loggerhead turtles that nest on the islands. Birdlife is equally striking, with seabird colonies such as the brown booby, masked booby, and frigatebird dominating the skies and cliff ledges of the islands. These species find crucial nesting grounds within the park’s boundaries.

Popular features of the park include diving and snorkeling sites that offer exceptional visibility and access to Brazil’s richest coral reefs. The coral structures, vibrant fish populations, and occasional sightings of manta rays or nurse sharks make Abrolhos a celebrated destination for underwater exploration.

Guided boat tours and wildlife observation excursions also attract visitors, especially those interested in whale watching and bird photography. Access to the islands is limited and controlled, enhancing both the experience of solitude and the protection of fragile ecosystems.

Conservation efforts in Abrolhos Marine National Park are extensive and multifaceted. Marine biologists, government agencies, and non-profit organizations collaborate to monitor coral health, protect breeding grounds, and enforce sustainable tourism practices.

The return of humpback whales to the area is a notable success, highlighting the effectiveness of marine protection laws and enforcement. However, the park faces challenges such as illegal fishing, coral bleaching due to climate change, and pollution from maritime traffic. Ongoing research and management initiatives are crucial in addressing these pressures and ensuring the park’s resilience in a changing climate.

Park Map

Abrolhos Marine National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Though primarily a marine reserve, Abrolhos also supports a variety of seabirds, especially on the park’s islands where they nest in large colonies. These birds are crucial to the island ecosystem and offer fantastic birdwatching opportunities.

Masked Booby
These large, white seabirds with black facial markings nest in colonies on the islands. They are excellent divers and feed mainly on fish and squid.

Brown Booby
Often seen soaring over the water, brown boobies are striking with their chocolate-colored feathers and white bellies. They plunge-dive for fish and nest on rocky outcrops.

Magnificent Frigatebird
These impressive birds are known for their long wings and forked tails. Males inflate a red throat pouch during breeding season to attract mates.

Sooty Tern
Sooty terns breed in dense colonies and are nearly always airborne. They nest on bare ground and are highly vocal, creating a bustling soundscape during nesting season.

Noddies (Brown and Black Noddies)
These small terns are abundant in the park, nesting in tree branches and cliffs. They have a gentle flight and a soft, cooing call.

Royal Tern
Recognized by their bright orange beaks and elegant crests, royal terns fish in the shallows and nest in open sandy areas.

White-tailed Tropicbird
This elegant seabird is rarely seen near shore but occasionally visits the islands. Its long white tail streamers make it unmistakable in flight.

Great Egret
Though more commonly seen in nearby mangroves, great egrets sometimes forage in the shallow coastal waters around the park, adding contrast with their snowy plumage.

Neotropical Cormorant
These sleek black birds dive for fish and can often be seen drying their wings on rocks or tree branches near the shore.

Red-billed Tropicbird
A rarer visitor, this bird has a striking red bill and long tail feathers. It glides effortlessly over the ocean and occasionally nests in rocky island crevices.

Abrolhos Marine National Park, located off the southern coast of Bahia, Brazil, is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, clear waters, and extraordinary marine biodiversity. This protected marine area is a sanctuary for numerous unique species, especially those found in Brazil’s Atlantic waters. It’s also one of the best spots in the South Atlantic for marine life viewing, including seasonal visits by humpback whales.

Humpback Whale
These majestic mammals migrate to the Abrolhos region between July and November to breed and give birth. Known for their acrobatic breaches and haunting songs, humpback whales are a major attraction in the park.

Green Sea Turtle
This endangered species nests on the beaches near the park and can be seen gliding through the coral reefs. Green sea turtles feed primarily on seagrasses and algae, playing a crucial role in the marine ecosystem.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Also present in the area, loggerheads are slightly larger and more robust than green turtles. They often nest nearby and feed on a diet of crustaceans, mollusks, and jellyfish.

Dusky Grouper
A large reef-dwelling fish, the dusky grouper is a top predator among the reef fish community. It’s slow-growing and often targeted by fishers, making it a conservation priority.

Brazilian Sharpnose Shark
This small, slender shark can be found in the shallow reef zones. It is generally harmless to humans and plays a key role in maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

Sergeant Major (Abudefduf saxatilis)
Common around the reefs, these colorful fish are named for the bold stripes on their bodies. They are known for their aggressive behavior when defending their nesting sites.

French Angelfish
Easily recognized by their bright yellow scales and black body, French angelfish often swim in pairs and feed on sponges and algae on the reef.

Stingray (Various species)
Several species of stingray inhabit the sandy bottoms and reef edges of the park. They are usually shy, resting on the seafloor, but may startle swimmers if approached suddenly.

Spiny Lobster
This nocturnal crustacean hides in reef crevices by day and forages by night. It has long antennae and no claws, unlike its northern relatives.

Starfish (Oreaster reticulatus)
Large and colorful, these starfish are often spotted across the reef floor. They play an important role in reef health by feeding on organic material and detritus.