Brazil is home to tons of incredible and exotic wildlife from the flora and fauna of the vast Amazon Jungle in the West to the sea creatures of its long Atlantic coastline over on the East coast.The Brazilian coast is an increasingly popular holiday destination due to its natural beauty and unique wild inhabitants, particularly the magnificent sea turtle.
There are five species of sea turtle found off the shores of Brazil and for a long time now their populations have been in decline. Thankfully, in the 1980’s a wonderful initiative named Tamar-ICMBio was set up with the sole purpose of protecting these beautiful and gentle creatures.
Two years after its establishment in 1980, Tamar’s first research station was constructed to help monitor breeding grounds and sea turtle activity, which is a constant necessity in order to produce reliable findings.
Today, Project Tamar has twenty-two research stations along the beautiful and scenic Brazilian coastline, which are responsible for carrying out its main aims, including ensuring protection laws are being upheld.
Alongside their research stations the project has now set up several visitors centres across the country that cater to the many curious tourists and indeed locals that are interested in the endangered animals. The national conservation program also educates local fishing communities as a means to prevent them damaging the turtles’ habitats and instead learn how alternative fishing techniques can protect these important ecosystems.
By employing locals and supporting schools and nurseries from the villages surrounding the centres and research stations, Project Tamar aims to create long-term sustainability.
You can visit Project Tamar in lively Florianopolis, a very short flight south of Rio de Janeiro, and enjoy a fun-filled island holiday, exploring the many beaches of the Brazilian holiday hotspot. Florianopolis is made up of one stretch on the mainland and a large island connected by a bridge, the latter becoming especially popular with holiday-makers between October and March.
Book with and us and stay at the impressive Majestic Palace – a brilliantly located hotel which offers fantastic value for money. Alternatively, head to the laid back beach town of Praia da Forte in the North-East State of Bahia for less hustle and bustle and more sheer relaxation in a little piece of paradise. The sea here is teeming with marine life and ideal for snorkelling or swimming.
For an extra special getaway we recommend staying at the Tivoli Eco Resort, which boasts stunning grounds and eight natural swimming pools. Spend an afternoon visiting the the sea turtles at Project Tamar’s visitor centre on the nearby main beach and follow it up with a visit to the local castle ruins.
Eco Tourism is experiencing a boom in Brazil. Plan the trip of a lifetime now and know that you are helping do a good thing for our planet by visiting one of Project Tamar’s centres in Brazil. Find out more by asking one of our Travel Specialists – click here.
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