This is an exceptional diving holiday, with sweet and salt water diving and a 4 days diving cruise in the best spots of Brazil, all considered as
World Class diving destinations. You also have time enjoy the exceptional natural environment of those outstanding protected places through some outdoor activities.
The Serra da Bodoquena (Bonito) is an exceptionally beautiful region located southwest of Mato Grosso do Sul, on the Pantanal's edge. The incredibly blue waters of the region's rivers and springs, next to beautiful caves and preserved woods and "cerrados" (thickets) make this region unique. Here one can dive in exceptionally transparent waters, among large shoals of fresh-water fish. More experienced divers can also enjoy cave and resurgence diving.
Sixty five kilometers (44 miles) away from the Caravelas coast, the nearest point to the continent, the Abrolhos Archipelago is formed by five islands: Santa Barbara, Redonda, Siriba, Sueste e Guarita. Together with the Abrolhos Shoals to the east and the Timbebas reef to the northwest, it constitutes the Abrolhos Marine National Park, the first Brazilian such park, created in 1983. Tepid (between 24 C and 28 C) and crystalline waters make up the ideal environment for about 19 coral species, including brain coral (Mussismilia brasiliensis), endemic to Abrolhos. The reefs grow in columns from the bottom, forming huge mushrooms, called "Chapeiroes". Its reefs are considered one of the rarest and most interesting in South America. About 160 fish species attract birds as white-bellied boobies and frigates, together with sea turtles and other species. From July to November all visitors are granted with the visit of the Humpback whales, that come during this period for procreation.
Isolated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago is a place of exceptional natural beauty, which has been preserved and isolated since its discovery by Portuguese navigators in 1503. It is considered one of the great ecotourism destinations and one of the best diving spots in Brazil (turtles, sharks, dolphins.....). Located 340 km away from the coast, its 21 large and small islands form a Marine National Park.
DAY 1: CAMPO GRANDE/BONITO
Reception at Campo Grande Airport and drive to Bonito, about 4 hours away by paved road. Arrival and accommodation at Pousada Olho D'agua. Meals (D)
DAY 2: LAGOA MISTERIOSA - REFuGIO ECOLoGICO DO RIO DA PRATA
Morning departure for diving activities in Lagoa Misteriosa, 48 km away from Bonito. The lagoon is a tunnel-shaped depression of unknown depth, which exceeds 150 meters. Diving is usually done at a depth of 25 to 30 meters. In the afternoon, floating on the blue and clear waters of the Rio Olho D'agua down to its end on the Rio da Prata for fish observation. Hiking in the impressive primary forest with its century old trees such perobas, jatobas, peppertrees, and many others. Lunch on site and return in the late afternoon. (BD)
DAY 3: ABISMO ANHUMAS
This is a 72 meters deep vertical abyss descending towards a lake the size of a soccer field, with crystal clear waters and submerged cones reaching up to 18 meters, where free diving is possible. In the dry area there are many galleries and mineral formations of great beauty carved by nature. Autonomous diving among the cones, where visibility reaches 40 to 60 meters. This program demands average physical effort. A simple meal is offered in the abyss. Return in the late afternoon.(BD)
DAY 4: BONITO- CAMPO GRANDE
In the morning, transfer to Campo Grande and hotel accommodation. (B)
DAY 5: CAMPO GRANDE/PORTO SEGURO - CARAVELAS
Transfer to airport and departure for Porto Seguro. Reception at airport and transfer to Caravelas (approximately 3.1/2 hours). Accommodation at Hotel Marina Porto Abrolhos - Barra de Caravelas. Rest of afternoon at leisure to enjoy the beach.(B)
DAY 6: CARAVELAS - ABROLHOS
Early morning transfer to the Caravelas Pier where we board our ship sailing to Abrolhos Marine Park, about 5 hours away. Up to three dives per day are programmed. Overnight stay and meals onboard.
The boat offers complete kitchen and a large leisure area and is fully equipped with security items determined by the Navy. Teimoso, a wooden trawler (43 feet long) has capacity for 6 divers in the prow and center cabins.(BLD)
DAY 7: ABROLHOS
- All day dedicated to autonomous diving. Overnight stay aboard.(BLD)
DAY 8: ABROLHOS - CARAVELAS
In the morning, diving in Abrolhos Marine Park. After lunch, return to Caravelas.
Accommodation at Hotel Marina Porto Abrolhos. (BL)
DAY 9: CARAVELAS - PORTO SEGURO/RECIFE/OLINDA
Transfer to Porto Seguro Airport and flight to Recife. Arrival in Recife and transfer to nearby Olinda, one of the most beautiful colonial town of Brazil. Free afternoon to wander through the old streets. Accommodation in a nice colonial style house of the historic center (depending on availability) (B)
DAY 10: RECIFE/FERNANDO DE NORONHA
Transfer to Recife Airport and flight to Fernando de Noronha. Arrival, reception at the airport and transfer to your category B pousada. Short briefing about next day activities (B)
DAY 11: FERNANDO DE NORONHA
Pick up at your hotel for autonomous diving activities. You can dive twice either in the morning or in the afternoon, allowing you to explore the islands during the rest of the day. (B)
DAY 12: FERNANDO DE NORONHA
Pick up at your hotel for autonomous diving activities. (B)
DAY 13: FERNANDO DE NORONHA/RECIFE
Transfer to the airport and flight to Recife. Depending on your international flight departure time, you may fly directly to Rio or Sao Paulo and get your international connexion, or overnight again in Olinda or Rio (at extra cost). (B)
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Rated: Easy/Moderate.
We recommend divers have CMAS Level 2 or Advanced padi credentials. If you are not too experienced, you may not do the same dives described in this program.
In Noronha Island, environment is highly protected. There are no resorts or huge
concrete hotels by the beaches. Unless you want to upgrade to a category A pousada, be prepared for simple accommodation. Houses and pousadas are scatterred throughout the islands, none are by the beach, and most streets are unpaved with little light at night.
In Abrolhos, the departure of the boat depends on the local weather conditions. If the safety of the passengers is jeopardized, the departure may be postponed until favorable weather conditions. The program order might then change without previous warning.
When to go
In Abrolhos, the best season in term of visibility of the waters starts in January and goes up to the middle of April. The whales usually visit the archipelago from July to the beginning of November.
In Bonito the climate is tropical and warm during all year. There isn't a specific season to visit Bonito. From September to March the weather is very warm presenting constant rain that increases the waterfalls volume, making them perfect for the boat trip. From April till August there is less rain and the sky is always blue, but an intense cold might suddenly come, specially during the months of May and June.
Noronha is an all year long destination with some possible rains from March to August.
Prices are upon request as organising such a journey requires time. In any case, for less than 4 people this is an expensive journey.
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Tour Tariff
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Per person
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USD
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$ 2392
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EUR
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€ 1986
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GBP
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£ 1340
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(*)
Price last updated on 21 April 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please
always check by sending us a
quotation request .
(**) 2 participants minimum
Included:
* Accommodation in double room with private facilities in hotels
* Three nights on a boat in Abrolhos, with all meals and drinks (water, soft drinks) included, except alcoholic beverages (available on board but paid separately)
* Meals as specifed
* All the mentioned tours accompanied by English speaking guides (some divemasters speak a rather basic English)
* Diving as specified with tank and weights
* Attendance of a bilingual guide for the duration of the tour.
* All entrance fees.
Not included: Domestic flight, airport taxes, otehr meals, drinks, personal diving equipment (vest, regulator, jacket...), tips, environmental tax in Noronha
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