Diving Liveaboard Abrolhos: Dive Brazil’s First Marine Park
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Diving Liveaboard Abrolhos: Dive Brazil’s First Marine Park

Abrolhos
2 Nights·3 Days
AbrolhosDiving & SnorkellingActive Adventures

Overview

A liveaboard Abrolhos trip is the deepest way to dive in Brazil’s first marine national park and the greatest concentration of marine life in the South Atlantic. Over 3 days and 2 nights aboard a catamaran, complete 8 dives (6 by day and 2 at night) without returning to the mainland.

The Abrolhos archipelago in Brazil is five volcanic islands, ringed by 15 km of coral and roughly 1,300 recorded species. Dive the two great reef blocks (Parcel dos Abrolhos and Recife das Timbebas), explore underwater caves, and visit shipwrecks open to divers. Depending on the time of year, you might even spot humpback whales!

  • Full itinerary: 8 dives (6 days and 2 nights), guided island trails on Santa Barbara and Siriba, plus snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding from the boat.
  • Five volcanic islands and crystal-clear water, with diving visibility up to 30 meters in summer.
  • Two great coral reef blocks, Parcel dos Abrolhos and Recife das Timbebas, plus underwater caves and shipwrecks.
  • Humpback whales from July to November (peak July–August), watched from the boat between dive sites.
  • Sea turtles, dolphins, seahorses, and the seabird colonies of the Abrolhos Lighthouse on Santa Barbara Island.
  • A comfortable catamaran with Bahian cuisine on board and a full digital detox (no internet or phone signal).
  • Every dive is accompanied by an ICMBio-accredited dive instructor and divemaster.
  • All-inclusive experience: 2 nights aboard the catamaran, all meals and non-alcoholic drinks, 8 dives, guided island trails, and use of snorkel, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard equipment.

  • Please note: the activities described here are a suggested plan (day split is indicative). Exact dive sites and the daily order are chosen by the onboard instructor based on weather, sea conditions, and the group’s certification level. Maritime activities do not run in winds above 20 knots.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Departure from Caravelas / First Dives / Night Dive

  • DepartureCaravelas pier · 7:30 AM
  • CrossingCaravelas to Abrolhos, Bahia · ~3.5 h
  • DivesReefs of Parcel dos Abrolhos and Recife das Timbebas · First night dive

Departure is at 7:30 AM from the Caravelas pier, with a crossing of about 3.5 hours to the Abrolhos archipelago. On arrival, guests are welcomed by an ICMBio environmental monitor who introduces the park, its wildlife, and the conservation rules that protect this marine ecosystem.

At sea, the day starts early to make the most of the light and marine life. The sequence of dives begins in the two great coral reef blocks, always seeking the best visibility and wildlife, with breaks on deck for rest and meals.

After dark, the crew prepares a night dive to observe the species that only appear once the reef shifts into its nocturnal rhythm.

Meals included: Lunch / Dinner

A white catamaran named Horizonte Aberto anchored in a liveaboard Abrolhos setting, floating over turquoise shallow water beside a low palm-lined island under a clear blue sky.
Water-level view of a golden sunset over the Abrolhos archipelago, with palm tree silhouettes on a low islet, seabirds in flight, and a rocky headland to the right reflected in the rippling sea surface — the setting for a liveaboard Abrolhos expedition.
View through an oval boat porthole of the liveaboard Abrolhos catamaran, framing rocky volcanic islands with palm trees, a sandy beach, a lighthouse, and turquoise water under a blue sky.

Day 2:

Full Diving Day / Island Visit / Night Dive

  • DivingMultiple sites across the archipelago
  • Island trailsSanta Barbara and Siriba, the only islands open to visitation
  • SeabirdsAbrolhos Lighthouse · Tropicbirds, boobies, frigatebirds

A full day of diving across different sites of the archipelago. Between dives, go ashore on Santa Barbara Island and Siriba Island, the only two open to visitation, and walk the land trails to the Abrolhos Lighthouse.

Watch seabirds such as the red-billed tropicbird, the white and brown boobies, and the frigatebirds, which form colonies thanks to the abundant food. A second night dive rounds off the day for advanced-certified divers.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A scuba diver hovers behind a large vivid crimson gorgonian sea fan on a coral wall during an abrolhos diving expedition, with a second dark fan coral visible to the right and encrusted reef rock in the background
Split-level shot of the liveaboard Abrolhos experience: turquoise water fills the foreground while the black-and-white striped Abrolhos Lighthouse, white buildings, and palm trees on Santa Barbara Island rise above the waterline under a blue sky.
A scuba diver with a torch hovers in blue water above a large barrel sponge and encrusted reef formations during a liveaboard Abrolhos dive
A masked booby soars against a clear blue sky on a liveaboard Abrolhos trip, showing white plumage with dark wingtips and a pale yellow bill

Day 3:

Morning Dives / Return to Caravelas

  • Final divesMorning session before the crossing back
  • ArrivalBack in Caravelas · ~5 PM. on the scheduled return date

A final morning of diving before the catamaran sets course back to the mainland. Arrival in Caravelas is expected around 5 PM on the scheduled return date. This is the end of your liveaboard Abrolhos trip.

Meals included: Breakfast

A humpback whale breaching almost clear of the ocean surface during a liveaboard Abrolhos trip, with mountains faintly visible on the horizon
A white catamaran silhouetted against a vivid red and orange sunset over the Abrolhos archipelago, with two low volcanic islands visible on the horizon and the sun's reflection stretching across calm open water — the liveaboard Abrolhos experience at the end of the day.
A queen triggerfish with vivid yellow, purple, and blue markings glides over a rocky coral reef on a liveaboard Abrolhos dive
A black-and-white striped lighthouse on a rocky hillside above turquoise water, surrounded by low white buildings and scattered palms on the liveaboard Abrolhos route to Santa Barbara Island
Sunset view from a lighthouse balcony on the liveaboard Abrolhos route, with the sun dipping behind a small volcanic island over a calm bay, a white building below and two vessels on the water

What is Included

  • Round-trip catamaran crossing (Caravelas ⇌ Abrolhos archipelago)
  • 2-night stay aboard the catamaran, in a suite or standard cabin
  • Meals (full board): all meals and non-alcoholic beverages on board, Bahian cuisine with vegan and vegetarian options
  • Use of snorkel, kayak, stand-up paddle and support boat
  • On-board diving cylinder (tank) recharge
  • Guided tours (6 daytime dives, 2 night dives for advanced-certified divers, guided island trails on Santa Barbara and Siriba, and the visit to the Abrolhos Lighthouse)
  • Dives guided by an ICMBio-accredited dive instructor and dive master

Not included

  • Flight tickets
  • Lodging before departure and after arrival
  • Land transfers to the Caravelas pier (you make your own way to Caravelas before departure)
  • Abrolhos National Park visitation fee
  • Alcoholic beverages (non-alcoholic drinks are included)
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Diving-equipment rental
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Any service not listed above

FAQ

Reviews

“Good for trips to Abrolhos.”

— Cicero Guedes

“The trip with Horizonte Aberto was sensational!! The place is incredible and wonderful, and we saw many whales on the way there — some breaching and others showing off and slapping their tails. A real show!!!! The crew was extremely professional and attentive. The dive masters Léo and Gil made us feel very safe, which was key to the success of our baptism dive (we saw turtles, lobsters, a ray and lots of fish). Captain Natalino and sailor Romário were impeccable, always alert to everything and in great spirits. Maria prepared all our meals always with a smile on her face. In short, thank you so much to this team!!! Our trip was unforgettable thanks to you!!!!!”

— Leda Giusti

“Fantastic experience, with excellent service.”

— Nicodemos Souza

“Overnight trip to Albrolhos. Three couples in their 50's and 60's. The crew could not have been more wonderful! Pleasant, helpful, and engaging. They were careful and the safety of the clients was top-notch. Maria prepared delicious meals and made dietary adjustments for me where needed. The "baptism" dive was exciting and Jil made sure that I was comfortable with the entire process. He frequently checked that I was ok. We had a non-swimmer with us as well as a champion swimmer. The crew accommodated both and helped everyone feel attended to. I highly recommend!!”

— Barbra M

“Best experience in Abrolhos! Super comfortable, fast and modern boat. The cook, Maria, was spectacular and took great care of everyone — wonderful food!! Very good dives, with very experienced dive masters who took us to the best dive spots. I recommend it to everyone!!”

— Henrique Lopes

“Best diving experience in Abrolhos! Comfortable boat, experienced and eco-conscious dive masters, attentive staff and great meals!”

— Carla Albuquerque

“The experience with Horizonte Aberto was beyond words. Everything was perfect! We went at the end of the whale season and still managed to see plenty — it's incredibly moving. The team made all the difference! We want to thank the team: Mauro for the high-quality briefings, a very experienced diver; Maria, who spoiled us with delicious food and very good vegetarian options; and Natan and Romário for the smooth, safe navigation. They always made sure the boat and equipment were clean. Without this fantastic team the experience would certainly have been different. We did 6 unforgettable dives (those with an advanced certification could do 2 more night dives), each with its own special touch! Abrolhos is very beautiful, a unique place with crystal-clear waters. Thank you for everything!!”

— Laura De Matteis

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$ 650/ per person