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Tamar Project Praia do Forte

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Animal habitat
—°10
Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)

Weather…

The TAMAR Project in Praia do Forte, Bahia, is one of the world's most successful sea turtle conservation initiatives. Founded in 1980, the project was established at a time when sea turtle populations in Brazil were nearing extinction due to hunting and accidental fishing. The visitor center at Praia do Forte serves as the main hub for research, environmental education, and sustainable tourism on the Brazilian northeast coast. At the site, visitors can observe several species of sea turtles at different stages of their life cycle, such as the loggerhead and hawksbill turtles. A key aspect of the project's success is its close collaboration with local communities, which has involved hiring former turtle hunters to work in conservation roles. The facility features observation tanks and an interactive museum that educates the public about marine biology and the dangers of plastic pollution. To date, TAMAR has helped release millions of hatchlings into the ocean, significantly bolstering turtle populations and raising environmental awareness across Brazil.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Sep, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727272524242324252627
Rain mm7272981552021491408867705943

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The sea turtle nesting season runs from September to March, peaking between November and January. During summer months the aquariums and educational centers are open year-round and feature hatchlings.
🌅
Best time of day
Night excursions to observe nesting turtles are typically organized by the project and take place after sunset. During the day, the viewing tanks and museum are best visited in the morning.
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Etiquette
Never touch the turtles or eggs - it is illegal and harmful to the animals. Do not use flash photography during night observations as it disorients the turtles.
🎒
What to bring
For night walks you need a torch with red light, as white light disturbs the turtles. Comfortable sandals or water shoes are well-suited for the beach, and a camera with telephoto lens is useful.
🧭
Getting there
The Tamar Project is located right on Praia do Forte, about 80 km north of Salvador. It is accessible by car via the coastal highway BA-099, and entry is usually ticketed.
🦌
What to expect
Night observations are weather-dependent and turtles do not appear every night - patience is key. Be prepared to wait several hours and follow the guides' instructions carefully.

Geography

Coordinates
-12.57680, -38.00750

Facts

  • Launched in 1980 by the Brazilian environmental agency (now ICMBio).
  • The name TAMAR is a contraction of the Portuguese words 'Tartaruga Marinha'.
  • The project protects over 1,100 kilometers of the Brazilian coastline.
  • At Praia do Forte, thousands of turtle nests are monitored every year.
  • Has successfully released more than 40 million hatchlings into the sea.
  • The center features an ocean museum and tanks with various turtle species.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Camaçari Petrochemical ComplexCamaçari Petrochemical Complex36 km · SExplore →
Basilica of Nosso Senhor do BonfimBasilica of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim63 km · SWExplore →
PelourinhoPelourinho66 km · SWExplore →
Barra LighthouseBarra Lighthouse70 km · SWExplore →
CachoeiraCachoeira106 km · SExplore →
Feira de SantanaFeira de Santana110 km · SExplore →
Morro de Sao PauloMorro de Sao Paulo123 km · SWExplore →
BoipebaBoipeba135 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Tamar Project Praia do Forte (10)

Instituto Baleia Jubarte - Centro de Visitantes🏛 museum

This marine museum features a complete, rearticulated humpback whale skeleton on display at its visitor center in Praia do Forte.

🕒 Tu-Su 09:00-17:30♿

Farol Garcia d'Avila📍 landmark

Standing near the historic castle ruins, this coastal lighthouse guides maritime traffic along the rocky shoreline of Praia do Forte.

Cascatinha📍 landmark

Surrounded by tropical vegetation, this small, gentle waterfall has a refreshing natural pool for visitors in Praia do Forte.

Reserva Uirapuru🌿 nature

This protected Atlantic Forest reserve is home to diverse avian species and features shaded ecological hiking trails near Praia do Forte.

🕒 Todos os Dias 08:00H-17:00H

Mirante de Imbassaí🌿 nature

This elevated scenic lookout provides panoramic views of the point where the Imbassaí River meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Castelo Garcia D'Ávila🏛 museum

Housed within the remnants of the only medieval-style castle in the Americas, this museum exhibits colonial artifacts in Praia do Forte.

Casa da Torre de Garcia d'Ávila🏺 historical

These historic 16th-century ruins represent the first large-scale Portuguese architectural construction established in colonial Brazil.

Praia Pojuca🎡 recreation

Situated at the mouth of the Pojuca River, this wide sandy beach features gentle waves and coastal palm trees.

Praia do Forte🎡 recreation

Known for its crystal-clear tidal pools formed by coral reefs, this famous Bahian beach is a prime snorkeling destination.

Igreja Batista📍 landmark

This modest Baptist church features a simple white facade and serves the local Protestant congregation in Praia do Forte.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the Tamar Project protect?
It protects sea turtles from extinction along the Brazilian coast.
Can you see turtles?
Yes, there are observation tanks with different turtle species and other marine life.
When do the turtles hatch?
The main hatching season is between September and March.
Is there a shop?
Yes, the shop sells souvenirs, with proceeds going directly to the project.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it is very educational and interactive, good for families.
Tamar Project Praia do Forte: where is it located?
Tamar Project Praia do Forte is located in Brazil.
Tamar Project Praia do Forte: what is there to see?
Highlights include Instituto Baleia Jubarte - Centro de Visitantes, Farol Garcia d'Avila, Cascatinha.
Tamar Project Praia do Forte: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Sep, Dec.
Tamar Project Praia do Forte: why is it worth visiting?
The TAMAR Project in Praia do Forte, Bahia, is one of the world's most successful sea turtle conservation initiatives.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Salvador — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Salvador
The first capital of Brazil, known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and historical architecture.
Aracaju — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Aracaju
Welcoming coastal city with expansive beaches, the scenic Orla de Atalaia, and rich Northeastern culture.
Feira de Santana — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Feira de Santana
The largest city in the interior of the northeast, famous as the most important commercial hub in Bahia.
Itacare — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Itacare
Former cocoa-producing village turned surf mecca, known for lush Atlantic rainforest that meets directly with pristine white sand beaches.
Morro de Sao Paulo — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Morro de Sao Paulo
Car-free island paradise off the coast of Bahia, featuring picturesque numbered beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant nightlife sc…
Boipeba — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Boipeba
Ilha de Boipeba is a vehicle-free island in the Tinharé archipelago, known for its extensive palm groves and clear coral pools.

History & landmarks

Lencois — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Lencois
Charming historical town from the diamond rush era that now serves as the primary gateway to the spectacular Chapada Diamantina National …
Basilica of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Basilica of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim
The most famous Catholic church in Salvador da Bahia, known for the festival of the ritual washing of the steps.
Lacerda Elevator — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Lacerda Elevator
The Elevador Lacerda is a historic public elevator in Salvador, connecting the Lower City with the Upper City and offering views of the bay.

Nature

São Francisco River — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
São Francisco River
The São Francisco River is the longest river entirely within Brazil and one of the country's most important waterways.

More places

Camaçari Petrochemical Complex — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Camaçari Petrochemical Complex
The largest integrated industrial complex in the Southern Hemisphere, housing chemical, automotive, and manufacturing plants.
Pelourinho — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Pelourinho
The historic center of Salvador da Bahia, featuring colorful colonial houses and Afro-Brazilian culture.
Church and Convent of São Francisco — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Church and Convent of São Francisco
An impressive Baroque church in Salvador, whose interior is almost completely covered in gold leaf.
Port of Salvador — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Port of Salvador
A versatile port in Bahia, important for both passenger cruises and cargo, including petrochemicals and fruits.
Barra Lighthouse — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Barra Lighthouse
The Farol da Barra is a historic lighthouse in Salvador, built on the site of a 16th-century fort at the entrance to the Bay of All Saints.
Cachoeira — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Cachoeira
A historic city in the state of Bahia that is an important center of Afro-Brazilian culture and history.
The Cocoa Route of Bahia — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
The Cocoa Route of Bahia
An agricultural region in Bahia historically known for cocoa cultivation and chocolate production.
Atlantic Forest — Tamar Project Praia do Forte (Brazil)
Atlantic Forest
A highly threatened but extremely biodiverse biome along the eastern coast of Brazil.