Abrolhos Marine National Park

Abrolhos Marine National Park is a protected ocean area off Brazil's Atlantic coast, centered on five volcanic islands surrounded by coral formations. The zone includes seagrass beds and mangrove areas that together support a rich marine environment.

The naturalist Charles Darwin visited the archipelago in 1830 and documented its bird species, reptiles, and spider fauna. This early scientific observation helped establish how we understand the Atlantic's marine life.

The name comes from Portuguese "abrir olhos," meaning "open your eyes," reflecting how sailors once experienced this archipelago. Local fishing communities have long depended on these waters, shaping how the islands are understood by those who live nearby.

Access to the islands is typically by boat, with hiking trails available on some islands for exploration. The season from May through October offers the best conditions for spotting migrating marine mammals.

The park contains mushroom-shaped coral structures called Chapeirões that rise from the seafloor like giant umbrellas. These distinctive formations are created by specific coral species that grow in particular patterns found here.

Location: Caravelas

Location: Bahia

Inception: 1983

Operator: Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade

Website: http://ibama.gov.br/parna_abrolhos

GPS coordinates: -17.93690,-38.94650

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:26