Brazil's protected coral bank and whale season expedition out of Caravelas
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Overview
Abrolhos is Brazil's flagship reef destination: a protected archipelago and coral bank where mushroom-shaped pinnacles (chapeiroes), vibrant reef fish, and historic shipwrecks sit inside a federal marine national park managed by ICMBio. Most trips run by boat from Caravelas, often combining guided scuba dives with snorkeling, island viewpoints, and (in season) humpback whale watching from the surface. Plan your timing around two signature windows: December to March for warmer water and clearer visibility, and June to November for whales (peak sightings usually July to October). Park rules are strict: diving is only with authorized operators and guides, and whale interactions are observation-only.
Abrolhos Marine National Park protects two main areas:
Most visitors stay in Caravelas (often near Ponta de Areia) and depart early by boat. Depending on sea state, the crossing to the archipelago can be long, so expect:
Expect strict enforcement. Highlights to plan around:
DiveJourney destination guides are living documents built from local knowledge, operator experience, and publicly available sources. Conditions, regulations, and logistics can change. Each guide shows its last update date and sources used.
Last updated: January 23, 2026 • 10 sources
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Trip callouts
Created in 1983 and managed by ICMBio, with visitation rules designed to protect reefs, seabirds, and marine mammals.
Mushroom-shaped reef pinnacles can rise roughly 30 m from the seafloor, creating dramatic corridors and overhangs.
From June to November (often best July to October), whales are frequently seen from boats between sites. Swimming or diving with whales is not allowed.
The offshore archipelago and Parcel dos Abrolhos deliver iconic dives; the coastal Recife de Timbebas area can be a calmer, shorter-day backup.
Trips must be booked with authorized operators and guided in-water, which helps manage impact and improves logistics in a remote setting.
scuba
Why Abrolhos for Scuba Diving
Abrolhos is boat-diving at its most dramatic in Brazil: chapeiroes (mushroom-shaped coral pinnacles), park-managed moorings, and historic wreck remains inside a protected marine national park. Expect expedition-style days from Caravelas with guided dives, and in winter months, surface intervals often include humpback whale sightings (observation-only). The best underwater clarity is typically in summer (December to March), when water is commonly around 24°C to 27°C.
freedive
Why Abrolhos for Freediving
Freediving in Abrolhos is best treated as a boat-supported expedition: line sessions and exploration around sheltered anchorages, shallow coral gardens, and the edges of chapeiroes. Summer tends to be more comfortable in the water, while winter brings whales and sometimes rougher surface conditions. Because you are inside a federal marine park, plan to go with an operator that understands the local rules and can keep you tight to the boat in open-ocean conditions.
snorkel
Why Abrolhos for Snorkeling
Abrolhos rewards snorkelers with vivid coral gardens, schooling fish, and the chance to pair reef time with island viewpoints and whale watching cruises. Snorkeling is typically boat-based and guided, often near moorings around the islands or at Recife de Timbebas closer to the coast. Choose calmer months for the easiest surface conditions, and always snorkel with a float in open water.
topside
What to do when you're not in the water
The Abrolhos experience is half ocean, half coastal Brazil. Between boat days, explore Caravelas' visitor centers and mangroves, chase beach sunsets along the Costa das Baleias, and time your trip for whale season. If you want a longer road trip, add Prado and nearby beach villages for a slower pace after offshore days.
