Port information & tips for Abrolhos
Abrolhos is a spectacular island archipelago off the coast of Bahia and is considered Brazil's first marine national park. Its untouched nature impresses with crystal-clear, turquoise water and fascinating wildlife that delights adventurers and nature lovers alike. Absolute highlights include observing majestic humpback whales, guided hikes to the nesting sites on Siriba Island, and exploration tours to the unique coral formations known as chapeirões. As it is a strictly protected ecosystem, cruise ships anchor off Santa Bárbara Island. From this anchorage, guests reach the protected areas directly by tender boat, while the nearest major town on the mainland, Caravelas, is about 70 kilometers away and accessible thanks to local providers.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
The Abrolhos Archipelago, a unique marine protected area, is not directly accessible by plane or train, but can be reached by boat from Caravelas in southern Bahia. Caravelas serves as the central starting point for tours to the Marine National Park and is well-connected via regional airports and roads, making for a relaxed journey.
Airplane
The nearest major airport for travelers from the DACH region is Porto Seguro (BPS), approximately 145 kilometers from Caravelas. This airport is served by major Brazilian cities such as Salvador or Belo Horizonte. From Porto Seguro, you can comfortably reach Caravelas by bus in about 5 hours and 13 minutes or by rental car in 5 to 6 hours. Alternatively, the smaller Teixeira de Freitas (TXF) airport is closer, around 48.4 kilometers away, from where the drive to Caravelas takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Auto
Caravelas is easily accessible thanks to the BR-101 federal highway. From the north, follow the BR-101 to Teixeira de Freitas and then continue for about another 90 kilometers to Caravelas. From the south, the BR-101 also leads via Teixeira de Freitas to Caravelas. The roads are mostly in good condition, and it is advisable to watch out for pedestrians and animals at the roadside. In Caravelas, many accommodations offer free private parking so that your vehicle remains safe during your stay.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey, especially for international flights, an overnight stay in Caravelas the day before your boat tour to the Abrolhos Archipelago is recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your adventure. Numerous charming pousadas and hotels in Caravelas, such as the Pousada Corais De Abrolhos or the Abrolhos Dive Inn, are geared towards visitors to the National Park and offer comfortable overnight options. The Abrolhos Marine National Park visitor center in Caravelas also serves as an information point and meeting place for the boat trips.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the shipping company and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
