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The
Marine National Park of Abrolhos is 70 km from the coast, near Caravelas,
in the far south of Bahia. The archipelago of the same name, consists of
small islands of volcanic origin, and is one of the best places in Brazil
for diving. Its crystal clear waters provide excellent visibility, water
temperature is comfortable and it houses great diversity of underwater
fauna and flora, with special emphasis on the exuberant coral formations
and the shipwrecks.
It is said that the archipelago’s name comes from the ancient Portuguese
navigators warning about the dangers of the region: “Open your eyes”.
That is because the enormous underwater barriers of coral have always been
a threat to ships and have caused many accidents.
In Abrolhos you will find numerous species of fish, shellfish, choral,
sponges, etc. On dry land, sea birds, such as the white bellied booby,
terns, frigates, jays and woodpeckers, are abundant. Besides the animals
that inhabit the park, there are those that visit it seasonally for
reproduction. This is the case for the humpback whale, the sea turtles and
some migratory birds. Low, small plants predominate on the island, which
is made up, basically, of grasses and herbs, with a few exotic species.
Basic
information
Opening
Days
The park is open everyday. Several boats offer one-day or longer
excursions to the islands. Water visibility is best from December to June,
about 20 meters. There are specific tours to watch the humpback whales
from July to November. Departures are subject to wind conditions all year
long.
Climate
The climate is determined by air masses that predominate during the
different seasons of the year. The best period is from January to March,
which is the period of calm winds. The temperature varies from 24.4 to 27ºC.
Visits to the park are not advised when a south wind is forecast.
City facts
Abrolhos
State: Bahia
Region: Northeast
Area Code: (73)
Distances
CARAVELAS
Porto Seguro: 260 km
Salvador: 860 km
Vitória: 470 km
Belo Horizonte: 810 km
NOVA VIÇOSA
Porto Seguro: 320 km
Salvador: 955 km
Vitória: 385 km
Belo Horizonte: 745 km
Accommodation
/ Restaurants
There
is no option for lodging on the Abrolhos islands. On excursions that take
longer than one day, visitors sleep on the boats, which cater for
situations. Simple hotels and inns are available at Caravelas and Nova Viçosa.
Tour packages to the archipelago usually include meals. There are several
restaurant options in the neighbouring towns. Most are simple and serve
dishes prepared from seafood, mainly fish, shrimp and crab.
How
to get there
The
two towns nearest the archipelago are Caravelas and Nova Viçosa. Both are
located to the extreme south of the Bahian coastline. Caravelas is 860 km
from Salvador, travelling along the BR-101/BA-101. The nearest airport is
in Porto Seguro.
Local tourist agencies and agencies from other Brazilian towns offer tour
packages to Abrolhos. Diving courses and equipment are offered separately.
By Sea: access is by speedboat (2.5h), trawler (4h) or schooner (6h),
departing from Caravelas, which is 33 nautical miles from the Park. Should
the visitor prefer to navigate his own boat it is important to consult
IBAMA about the rules in effect. This service is available at
Kitongo beach, in Caravelas.
Services
Nova
Viçosa
Nova Viçosa Department of Tourism: +55 (73) 208-1015
Coach Station: +55 (73) 208-1705
Caravelas
Tourist information: +55 (73) 297-1113
IBAMA: +55 (73) 297-1111
Coach Station: +55 (73) 297-1151
Conchas Airport (domestic flights only)
Address: BR 418, km 14
Phone: +55 (73) 297-1183
Porto Seguro
Porto Seguro Airport
Address: Estrada do Aeroporto - Cidade Alta
Phone: +55 (73) 288-1880 / 288-2010 / 288-3131
Bank branches
There are few bank branches in Nova Viçosa and Caravelas, and then only
of the main banks. Credit cards are accepted by some establishments.
Information provided by
Embratur
    
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