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Logistics · Destination Guide

Abrolhos Marine National Park Brazil

Brazil's protected coral bank and whale season expedition out of Caravelas

Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 10 sources

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Logistics

Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.

Quick Facts

  • Primary airport: Porto Seguro International Airport (BPS)
  • Typical transfer: 261 km drive
  • Entry requirement: Brazil entry rules depend on your nationality.
  • Getting around: A rental car is the easiest way to connect airports, Caravelas, and nearby coastal towns.

Getting There

Most travelers route through southern Bahia and then position to Caravelas for boat departures.

Typical flow:

  • Fly into Porto Seguro (BPS) or Vitoria (VIX)
  • Drive to Caravelas and stay near the harbor for early departures
  • Join an authorized boat operator for day trips or multi-day expeditions to the archipelago and/or Parcel dos Abrolhos

Airports

1

Porto Seguro International Airport

BPS • SBPS

261 km • 261 km drive

The most common gateway for southern Bahia resort areas. From here you continue by road to Caravelas for Abrolhos departures.

Transport: Rental car, Pre-booked private driver, Hotel or operator transfers

2

Vitoria - Eurico de Aguiar Salles International Airport

VIX • SBVT

400 km • 400 km drive

A solid alternative routing via Espirito Santo, then a longer coastal drive to Caravelas.

Transport: Rental car, Pre-booked private driver

Getting Around

A rental car is the easiest way to connect airports, Caravelas, and nearby coastal towns.

  • Caravelas is small: expect taxis, pousada shuttles, and informal transfers rather than rideshare coverage.
  • For a broader itinerary (Prado, Alcobaca, Nova Vicosa), self-driving offers the most flexibility.
  • Plan fuel and snacks before early boat departures, as services can be limited at dawn.

Entry Requirements

Brazil entry rules depend on your nationality. Always confirm on official government sources before booking.

  • Passport required for international visitors.
  • As of April 10, 2025, visitors from the United States, Canada, and Australia require a visitor visa (often via eVisa).
  • Carry digital and printed copies of bookings and insurance, and keep them accessible offline.

Gear Logistics Checklist

Abrolhos is offshore and logistics matter:

  • Bring your critical dive gear (computer, mask, regulators) and treat rentals as limited.
  • Pack spares (O-rings, mouthpiece, fin strap) and keep them in a small dry pouch.
  • On boats, space is shared. Use a compact mesh bag and a dry bag for cameras and documents.
  • Park rules restrict some items (for example, gloves and knives for recreational divers), so do not rely on them for comfort or tools.

Practicalities

Currency

Brazilian Real (BRL)

Cards are common in larger towns and hotels, but small pousadas, taxis, and harbor-area vendors may prefer cash. For multi-day boat trips, confirm what payments are due before boarding.

ATMs are more reliable in larger hubs (for example near Porto Seguro). In Caravelas, availability can be limited, so arrive with some cash for smaller purchases and tips.

Electricity

127V & 220V • 60Hz • N, C

Brazil uses Type N plugs. Some hotels accept Type C. Voltage can vary by property, so bring a dual-voltage charger and a simple adapter.

Communications

Cell coverage is reasonable in coastal towns but can drop offshore. Buy a local SIM or eSIM for Brazil if your plan is expensive, and download offline maps and confirmations before boarding.

Language

Portuguese is the primary language. English may be limited outside dive operators and larger hotels, so having key phrases and addresses saved offline helps.

Insurance

Carry dive accident insurance that includes evacuation and hyperbaric treatment, plus travel insurance that covers delays or cancellations due to weather. Offshore days are dependent on sea state.

Packing list

A practical Abrolhos packing list:

  • Dive computer, SMB, and a conservative profile plan
  • 3mm wetsuit or rashguard, plus a wind layer for the deck
  • Seasickness meds, hydration salts, and snacks
  • Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses
  • Dry bag and spare phone battery
  • Small spares kit (O-rings, fin strap)
  • Do not pack gloves or a dive knife expecting to use them in the park