Friday, March 14, 2014

BAHIA: THE WHALE COAST


At the far south of Bahia, the Whale Coast is a real untouched paradise. An endless blue sea, with crystal clear water, home to the biggest and most diversified compound of coral reefs of the South Atlantic – a total of 17 specimens at the National Marine Park of Abrolhos – shelter a vast fauna and flora, volcanic islands, mangroves and tide channels; it’s a landscape of astonishing beauty that enchants and fascinates.

The tropical climate and the sun, which reigns all year round, are an irresistible invitation for nature lovers. Seafood and the spice of dendê oil are the trademarks of the local cuisine. Among rivers, waterfalls, beaches, mangroves and coconut groves, diving in the warm and calm water is a must; humpback whales regularly visit this coast, regardless of the curious eyes of the visitors.
At the villages and settlements, the local communities preserve their traditional culture. Kingdom of tranquility surrounded by nature, the Whale Coast is the right choice for those looking for relaxing by the sea, enjoying the best of life and the mesmerizing sceneries of the region. Search: bahia official site 
www.discoverthebrazil.blogspot.com
Lighthouse of Abrolhos. Photo flickr by pousadaguaratiba

www.discoverthebrazil.blogspot.com
Coral reefs... Photo pousadaguaratiba

www.discoverthebrazil.blogspot.com
Photo flickr by Gilson Cesar

The Abrolhos archipelago is an ecotourism attraction for diving and humpback whales watching. Whales are frequent between July and November when they are taking refuge from the Antarctic winter and some of which weigh up to 40 tons. This region contains one of the largest concentrations of fish, in terms of volume and variety, per square meter on the planet. You can see all kinds of rare fish, sea turtles and birds. The Whale Coast comprises the towns of Prado, Alcobaça, Caravelas, Nova Viçosa and Mucuri and its main attraction is the Abrolhos Marine National Park.

The Abrolhos Marine National Park, is one of Brazil's top diving destinations, it offers the area's best humpback whale sightings and the park consists of an archipelago of five islands lying 52km offshore.

In Prado, one of the top attractions is canoeing in the mangroves surrounding the Rio Jucuruçu River. Caravelas has beautiful pristine beaches, great for trekking; in Nova Viçosa, Barra Velha Island has trails winding through preserved vegetation.

Alcobaça has ocean pools off Praia da Barra and diving in the Areias and Timbebas reefs. Mucuri is one of the ends of the Discovery Route, a 155-mile cycling route with its other end in Arraial d'Ajuda. The route includes Itaquena, Trancoso, Caraiva, Corumbau, Cumuruxatiba, Prado, Alcobaça, Caravelas and Nova Viçosa.
Caravelas, Bahia. Photo flickr by Márcia Valle

Prado, Bahia. Photo flickr by Leonisio

Corumbau, Prado, Bahia. Photo flickr by Alison McGowan

Prado, Bahia. Photo Flickr by Diego Caliman

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