Brazil's protected coral bank and whale season expedition out of Caravelas
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.
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.
Quick shortlist before you jump into the full planning page.
A varied depth range around a pinnacle makes it easy to set conservative lines and still explore coral structure.
Remains of a vessel that sank in 1885, now an artificial reef near coral pinnacles.
Deep chapeirao reef with tunnels and schooling reef fish.
Top species linked to approved dive spots in Abrolhos Marine National Park.
The offshore archipelago and Parcel dos Abrolhos deliver iconic dives; the coastal Recife de Timbebas area can be a calmer, shorter-day backup.
2 linked spots
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