Santa Isabel Biological Reserve, Marine turtle conservation area in Pacatuba, Brazil.

Santa Isabel Biological Reserve covers 5,547 hectares of sandbank in Pacatuba and Pirambu, Sergipe, with remnants of Atlantic Forest, grasses, coconut trees, shrubs, lagoons and mangroves. It is a strict nature reserve managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation.

This reserve was established in 1988 to protect sea turtle nesting grounds and other coastal wildlife along the Brazilian shore. Its creation marked an important effort to save these endangered animals.

The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation manages research activities and environmental protection programs throughout the protected area.

Entry to this reserve is limited and requires advance authorization to protect its delicate ecosystems. Visitors should check ahead about how to obtain permission and what conditions apply.

The reserve is one of the main sites of the TAMAR project, which has released millions of sea turtles into the ocean. Its beaches are also an important nesting site for the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), a fact separate from the hawksbill protection.