Abrolhos Archipelago

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For the Abrolhos Islands in the Indian Ocean, see Houtman Abrolhos.
Abrolhos is located in Atlantic Ocean
Location of the Abrolhos Archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean

The Abrolhos Archipelago are a group of 5 small islands with coral reefs off the southern coast of Bahia state in the northeast of Brazil, between 17º25’—18º09’ S and 38º33’—39º05’ W. Caravelas is the nearest town.[1] Their name comes from the Portuguese: abrolho, a rock awash or submerged sandbank that is a danger to ships. There is a conspicuous shipwreck in the group.


These islets were surveyed by Baron Roussin. As part of the instructions for the second survey voyage of HMS Beagle, the Admiralty noted "the great importance of knowing the true position of the Abrolhos Banks, and the certainty that they extend much further out than the limits assigned to them by Baron Roussin", and asked Captain Robert FitzRoy to take soundings and establish the position of the reefs.[2] The work was carried out from 27 to 30 March 1832, giving Charles Darwin the opportunity to examine the wildlife and geology of the islands.[3]


The extensive reefs of the island group are an area of rich marine fauna. The uninhabited islets are a breeding ground for pelagic birds.[4]


  • Ilha de Santa Bárbara, the largest island. There is a Brazilian Navy military outpost and a lighthouse.
  • Ilha Siriba, the only island open to visitors
  • Ilha Redonda
  • Ilha Guarita
  • Ilha Sueste

The Abrolhos Marine National Park (Portuguese: Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos) is a Marine Park located in the Abrolhos Archipelago since 1983. It is strictly forbidden to disembark on Ilha Guarita and Ilha Suest.[5]




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Coordinates: 17°55′34″S 38°56′07″W﻿ / ﻿17.92611°S 38.93528°W﻿ / -17.92611; -38.93528