The Abrolhos Archipelago is a group of five small volcanic islands about 70 km off the coast of southern Bahia, protected within the Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos — Brazil's first marine national park. The surrounding waters hold the largest coral reefs in the South Atlantic and are among the most biodiverse marine environments in the country.
The primary draw is wildlife, above and below the surface. Humpback whales (locally called baleia jubarte) migrate to the warm protected waters of Abrolhos between June and November to breed and give birth, making this one of the best whale-watching sites in the world. Southern right whales are occasionally seen as well. Underwater, the reefs are home to manta rays, sea turtles, and an enormous variety of reef fish. Visibility can exceed 20 metres.
Access is from the town of Caravelas on the Bahia coast, around three to four hours south of Porto Seguro. Day trips and multi-day liveaboard expeditions both run from Caravelas. Some operators use sailing boats rather than motorised vessels, which makes for a quieter and more atmospheric trip.