Question 1

How much does an Abrolhos tour cost?

Accepted Answer

The 3-day, 2-night Abrolhos diving liveaboard starts at around R$3,000 per person, covering accommodation aboard the catamaran, meals, and the guided dives. Note that the Abrolhos National Park visitation fee and any dive-gear rental are paid separately (see below). Every tour page shows a clear “from” price.

Question 2

What is the Abrolhos diving liveaboard?

Accepted Answer

It is a 3-day, 2-night expedition where you live aboard a catamaran in the Abrolhos Archipelago instead of returning to the mainland each day. That means more time in the water: day and night dives around the five islands, the chapeirões, and historic shipwrecks. The boat sleeps a small group, serves Bahian cuisine on board, and reaches more remote, preserved dive sites than a day trip can. Snorkeling and time ashore on Siriba Island round out the experience.

Question 3

How do you get to Abrolhos, Brazil?

Accepted Answer

Abrolhos is reached only by boat. Tours depart from Caravelas, a coastal town in southern Bahia, with the archipelago lying about 67 km offshore, a crossing of roughly 3.5 hours by motor catamaran. Caravelas is connected by road and a regional airport. Plan to arrive the day before departure, and note that sea conditions and flight schedules can change, so confirm your plans close to the date. The nearest airports are Bahia’s Porto Seguro (BPS) and Espírito Santo’s Vitória (VIX)—260 and 400 km from Caravelas, respectively . Both are served by domestic flights from across Brazil.

Question 4

Do I need a diving certification (PADI) for Abrolhos? Can I snorkel instead?

Accepted Answer

For scuba diving, you need a valid certification from a recognized agency (PADI Open Water, NAUI, SSI, or equivalent). Non-certified guests are welcome on board but are limited to surface snorkeling. Scuba and snorkeling equipment are not included, but gear can be rented from our local partner before departure.

Question 5

When is the best time to visit Abrolhos, Brazil?

Accepted Answer

Abrolhos rewards visitors year-round, but the timing shapes what you see. From December to February the water is warmest and clearest, so visibility for diving and snorkeling is usually at its best. From July to October, humpback whales migrate to the archipelago to breed and nurse, one of the most spectacular times to visit, with whale sightings on the boat journey to and from the islands. Trips do not run in winds over 20 knots, so check the forecast before you travel.

Question 6

Can we see humpback whales in Abrolhos? When?

Accepted Answer

Humpback whale season in Abrolhos runs from July to November, with July and August offering the highest chance of sightings. As these are wild animals, sightings are never guaranteed. Important: this liveaboard is strictly a diving expedition, not a dedicated whale-watching tour. You may observe whales from the boat between dive sites, but the daily itinerary focuses on diving.

Question 7

What marine life will I see, and what are the chapeirões?

Accepted Answer

Abrolhos holds the largest coral reef in the South Atlantic, home to sea turtles, rays, moray eels, reef fish, and over a dozen coral species, several found nowhere else. Historic shipwrecks add another layer to the dives. The chapeirões are the reef’s signature feature: tall, mushroom-shaped coral pinnacles that rise from the seabed and shelter dense marine life, making them a favorite for both divers and snorkelers.

Question 8

Do I need to pay a national park fee for the Abrolhos Arquipelago?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Abrolhos Marine National Park charges a visitation fee, paid separately from the tour. For foreign visitors it is around R$104 per person per night (Brazilian rates differ), and it should be arranged in advance, especially in whale season. Daily visitor numbers are controlled to protect the reef, and landings are permitted only on Siriba Island, so booking ahead is important.

Question 9

Are flights and the park fee included in the Abrolhos tour?

Accepted Answer

No. The package covers the liveaboard itself, accommodation and meals aboard, guided dives, and the boat crossing, but not your flights to Caravelas or the national park visitation fee, which is paid on site. Once you share your travel plans, our team can advise on getting to Caravelas and on timing. Schedules can change, so confirm close to departure.

Question 10

Can I book a private group, or does the liveaboard run as a shared departure?

Accepted Answer

Both are possible. The liveaboard usually runs as a shared departure with a small group, which is a good way to meet other divers, but a private charter can often be arranged for families or groups of friends. Tell our team your preferred dates and group size, and we will check availability with our local partners. Private bookings may carry different rates.

Question 11

Can I choose my own travel dates?

Accepted Answer

Departures run on set dates through the season, and availability is limited by the boat’s small capacity and the park’s daily visitor cap. Some flexibility with your dates improves your chances of securing a place. We recommend checking availability with our team before booking flights, especially in the high whale season from July to October.

Question 12

What payment methods do you accept? Can I pay in installments?

Accepted Answer

In most cases we work with a 50% deposit to confirm the reservation, with the balance due up to 30 days before departure. Deadlines can vary by travel date and partner policy. International travelers usually pay by credit card or Wise transfer. Brazilian clients can pay via PIX, bank transfer, or credit card, with the option of up to 5 installments (interest may apply).

Question 13

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation policies vary by package and local partner, and each one has its own conditions for refunds, credits, or fees. The policy that applies is based on the date your cancellation request is submitted. You can find the policy for your booking on the package page, in your booking portal and in your confirmation email.

Question 14

Do I need a visa to travel to Brazil?

Accepted Answer

Visa requirements for Brazil vary significantly by nationality. Some countries have visa-free entry, others can apply for an e-visa online, and some need a visa from a Brazilian consulate in advance. We strongly recommend checking the current requirements for your passport well before your travel date, since policies can change. For official, up-to-date information, see VISAS – Brazil’s Ministry of External Affairs .

Question 15

Do I need to be vaccinated to travel to Brazil?

Accepted Answer

Brazil does not require foreign tourists to show proof of vaccination to enter. That said, the Ministry of Health recommends arriving with an up-to-date routine schedule covering diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rubella, and measles. A yellow fever vaccination is advisable for travel to Bahia and many parts of Brazil, and some countries require a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from Brazil. Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic four to six weeks before departure. 👉 Learn more: Vaccination and Traveller’s Health (Brazil) / CDC Travelers’ Health (USA) / Foreign Travel Advice (UK)

Abrolhos Islands Tours in Brazil

Diving Liveaboard Abrolhos: Dive Brazil’s First Marine Park

Abrolhos tour reviews

What you need to know about Abrolhos Islands tours in Brazil

Abrolhos diving liveaboard

Snorkeling, the chapeirões reef & the islands

Humpback whale season (July to November)

👉 Read more: 10 Facts About Abrolhos, Brazil

The Abrolhos Archipelago in Brazil – Travel Guide

10 Facts About Abrolhos You Need To Know

Frequently asked questions