Marinha do Arvoredo Biological Reserve

The Marinha do Arvoredo Biological Reserve is a protected marine territory off the Santa Catarina coast that centers on three main islands: Arvoredo, Gales, and Deserta. The reserve encompasses a large area of surrounding ocean, which forms an essential buffer zone for safeguarding the marine life and natural resources found here.

The Brazilian Federal Government established this marine sanctuary in 1990 to protect the natural resources and marine life of the Santa Catarina coast. The creation of the reserve represented a major step in safeguarding this ecologically important ocean region from human activities.

Archaeological remains on the islands include shell mounds and rock carvings left by indigenous peoples who lived along this coast long ago. Walking through certain areas, you can still see evidence of these ancient settlements scattered across the landscape.

Access to the reserve is managed by the conservation authority and requires prior permission to visit the area. The best way to explore is by boat from the mainland coast, as the islands are only reachable by water.

The reserve sits in a transition zone where tropical and temperate ocean species meet, shaped by two major currents flowing in opposite directions. This collision of different water masses creates an unusual mix of marine life that appears nowhere else in the region.