Abrolhos Diving Cruise

"Brazil"

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.
The visit to the archipelago is complete with the beautiful attractions of this part of the shores of Bahia, which presents beautiful beaches and mangroves. Caravelas, founded in 1574 by the Portuguese, lays on the shores of the Caravelas river, in the south of Bahia, and preserves houses from the beginning of the 20th century, when it was an important trading entrepot.

Itinerary

DAY 1: PORTO SEGURO - CARAVELAS
Arrival in Porto Seguro 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 2: 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 3: ABROLHOS
- All day dedicated to diving (up to three dives). Overnight stay aboard.(BLD)

DAY 4: ABROLHOS - CARAVELAS
In the morning, diving in Abrolhos Marine Park (2 dives maximum today). After lunch, return to Caravelas. Accommodation at Hotel Marina Porto Abrolhos. (BL)

DAY 5: CARAVELAS - PORTO SEGURO
Transfer to Porto Seguro Airportfor your flight out (b).

General Information

Rated: Easy/Moderate.

We recommend divers have CMAS Level 2 or Advanced Padi credentials.

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.

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.

Tour Tariff
	Per person	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 1032	$ 19
EUR	€ 857	€ 15
GBP	£ 578	£10

(*) Price last updated on 15 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
(***) Discount for groups

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
* 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

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