Whale Coast

Whale Coast Tourist Guide

Costa das Baleias has the largest and most diverse set of coral reefs in the South Atlantic, the Abrolhos Archipelago, mangroves, stunning beaches, history and comprises the municipalities of Prado, Alcobaça, Caravelas, Nova Viçosa and Mucuri.

Tourism on the Whale Coast

The Costa das Baleias tourist route begins on the southern edge of Bahia, on the border with Espírito Santo, and stretches along 200 kilometres of beaches to Prado, a town to the south of Porto Seguro.

There are five small coastal municipalities (Mucuri, Nova Viçosa, Caravelas, Alcobaça and Prado), with populations ranging from 21,000 (Caravelas, Alcobaça) to 38,000 (Nova Viçosa).

The Costa das Baleias is a beautiful region located in the extreme south of Bahia, Brazil.

This area is known for its paradisiacal beaches, rich biodiversity and, especially, the presence of humpback whales that migrate to the region to breed.

Here is a comprehensive guide to the Costa das Baleias:

Main Towns and Attractions

  1. Prado

    • Beaches: Prado has several beautiful beaches, such as Praia do Tororão, Praia da Paixão and Praia do Moreira, known for their colourful cliffs and calm waters.
    • Historic Centre: The colonial houses and the Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Purificação are important tourist attractions.
  2. Caravelas

    • Abrolhos National Marine Park: The main attraction, it is an archipelago made up of five islands that offers some of the best snorkelling and whale watching experiences in Brazil.
    • Historic Centre: Colonial mansions and the Church of São Sebastião are highlights.
  3. Nova Viçosa

    • Beaches: Praia do Pau Fincado and Praia da Barra Velha are popular with tourists.
    • Barra Velha Island: A great place for boat trips and fishing.
  4. Alcobaça

    • Beaches: Praia de Alcobaça and Praia do Farol are known for their clear, calm waters.
    • Cassumba Island: Ideal for boat trips and snorkelling.

Humpback Whale Watching

Whale watching is the most famous activity on the Costa das Baleias. Humpback whales migrate to this region between July and November to reproduce and nurse their young. Here are some tips:

  • Best Time: Between July and November.
  • Boat Trips: Available mainly in Caravelas and Prado. Specialised companies offer whale-watching excursions, with experienced guides who provide information about the marine mammals.
  • Abrolhos National Marine Park: This is one of the best places to see whales. In addition, the park offers excellent snorkelling with coral reefs, rich marine life and shipwrecks.
Whale Coast

Catabrigas Waterfall in the far south of Bahia

The Catabrigas Waterfall is very rare, surrounded by greenery, mountains, birds and ecological trails, it can be found on the outskirts of the district of Ibirajá, in the interior of the municipality of Itanhém. The place besides being the meeting point of the residents of the region, especially on weekends, […]

Whale Coast

Prado is the gateway to the Whale Coast

Prado, in Bahia, offers paradisiacal beaches and a unique experience of relaxation and adventure. From whale watching in Abrolhos to hiking on Mount Pascoal. The municipality of Prado in the Costa das Baleias in Bahia is the one with the largest tourist infrastructure in the region. The town of Prado […]

Whale Coast

Characteristics of the Humpback Whale

Learn about the characteristics of the Humpback Whale. Abrolhos National Marine Park is the birthplace of the Humpback Whale. The humpback whale, also called humpback or black whale, belongs to the Balaenopteridae family and is known for its docile temperament, the acrobatics it performs (jumps, head and flippers exposure, etc.) […]