Costa dos Corais Environmental Protection Area

Costa dos Corais Environmental Protection Area spans 404,268 hectares along the northeastern Brazilian coast, combining coral reefs, mangrove forests, and patches of Atlantic Forest in one protected zone. The landscape transitions from shallow coastal waters to tidal areas where freshwater and saltwater systems interact.

The Brazilian federal government created this marine protected area in 1997 to defend coral reefs and support long-term fishing sustainability. This establishment reflected growing awareness that the coast needed formal protection to survive mounting pressures from human activity.

Fishing families here practice methods passed down through generations, working with the rhythms of the sea and tides. Their connection to these waters shapes how the community views itself and its relationship with nature.

You can explore natural pools and snorkel during specific tide windows when water levels are right for safe entry. Hiring a local guide helps you find the best spots and understand how tides affect what you can see on any given day.

Scientists have documented that certain coral species died and did not return when extreme heat stressed the waters here. These findings reveal how rapidly ocean conditions can shift and why preserving these reefs matters for the future.