Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos

While primarily marine, this park is crucial for wildlife tourism due to its importance as a breeding ground for humpback whales (July to November)....

Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos at a Glance

Location
Southeast Atlantic Forest (Rio de Janeiro & Espírito Santo), Brazil, Central & South America
Coordinates
-17.783810, -38.824540
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos

Nearest airport: Aeroporto de Caravelas (CRQ), 48 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeroporto de Porto Seguro (BPS), 152 km away.

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos

Home to 8 recorded species including 3 marine & freshwater, 2 birds of prey, 1 iconic birds, 1 tropical birds, 1 waterbirds.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos

5 safari lodges available.

Other

mid-range

luxury

Similar Parks in Southeast Atlantic Forest (Rio de Janeiro & Espírito Santo)

Visitor Tips - Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos

Abrolhos is a truly unique underwater spectacle, a vibrant kaleidoscope of mushroom-shaped 'chapeirões' corals teeming with life. We love the feeling of swimming through these natural cathedrals, and the seasonal humpback whale migration adds an unforgettable dimension to this pristine marine sanctuary.

Gate Times

Access to Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos is strictly controlled and requires booking through authorized tour operators. There are no 'gates' in the traditional sense; instead, boat departures are regulated from coastal towns like Caravelas or Alcobaça. Permits are typically included in tour packages, but we always recommend confirming details with your chosen operator well in advance, especially during the humpback whale season (July-November) when demand is highest and bookings fill quickly.

Tipping

While not mandatory, we always encourage tipping your boat crew and guides for their hard work and invaluable knowledge. For a full-day excursion, we suggest R$50-R$100 per person for the boat crew to share, and R$50-R$75 for an exceptional guide. It's a thoughtful gesture that is much appreciated.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Brazil

Travel advisory for Brazil

Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos for wildlife viewing?

The prime season for visiting Abrolhos is from July to November, coinciding with the humpback whale breeding season when these magnificent creatures gather in the warm waters. Outside of whale season, the months from December to March offer excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling among the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

What unique activities and experiences can I expect during a trip to Abrolhos Marine National Park?

Visitors primarily explore Abrolhos via multi-day liveaboard boat tours, offering unparalleled access to its remote islands and underwater wonders. You can expect exceptional snorkeling and diving among the unique 'chapeirões' coral formations, observe nesting seabirds on specific islands, and witness humpback whales breaching and playing during their breeding season. Due to the park's low crowding, you'll often enjoy a serene and intimate wildlife experience.

What are the typical costs associated with a safari trip to Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos?

A trip to Abrolhos usually involves multi-day liveaboard packages, which can range from R$2,000 to R$6,000+ (Brazilian Reais) depending on duration, vessel luxury, and inclusions. These packages generally cover park permits, accommodation on board, meals, guided excursions, and sometimes dive gear rental, but typically exclude flights to the departure point (e.g., Caravelas) and personal expenses.

What specific safety precautions should I take when planning a visit to Abrolhos Marine National Park, especially regarding health?

While the park itself is remote, the region has a moderate malaria risk, so consult your doctor about antimalarial prophylaxis and use insect repellent, especially at dusk. Always follow your boat crew's instructions for marine safety, including currents and wildlife encounters, and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance covering remote medical emergencies.

Besides humpback whales, what other unique marine and bird species can I expect to encounter in Abrolhos?

Abrolhos is renowned for its unique 'chapeirões' coral reefs, which are home to a rich diversity of fish, colorful nudibranchs, and several species of sea turtles like green and loggerhead turtles. The islands also serve as vital nesting grounds for various seabirds, including red-billed tropicbirds, brown boobies, and magnificent frigatebirds, offering fantastic birdwatching opportunities.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.