In the village of Praia do Forte, the Fundação Projeto Tamar Visitor Center is where the story of Brazil’s sea turtles gets a face: saltwater tanks, four of the five species found on the Brazilian coast and a fishing village that, since 1982, has become a world symbol of conservation.
Why visit
Because here conservation is seen up close. There are 750,000 liters of salt water in tanks and aquariums, themed spaces telling how the project was born with the local fishermen, and programs like “Biologist for a Day”, which puts children and families inside the routine of caring for the animals. In the breeding season, hatchlings rescued from the nests are released to the sea on a nearby beach, accompanied by trained guides — one of the most beautiful moments on the Bahian coast. The Tamar and Sapiranga guide helps combine the outing with the Sapiranga Reserve.
Access and logistics
- Where it is — Avenida Farol Garcia D’Ávila, s/n, in the heart of the Praia do Forte village (Mata de São João, BA), a few steps from the beach.
- Opening hours — Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (confirmed on the official channel in August 2026).
- Tickets — full R$ 54 and half R$ 27, with a family passport and exemptions (children up to 5 and Mata de São João residents, among others) — prices checked in August 2026; confirm on the official site before going.
- Contact — (71) 3676-0321 / centrodevisitantes@tamar.org.br.
What to expect from the visit
A 2-to-3-hour visit at discovery pace: turtles of different species and sizes in the tanks, panels explaining the nesting season and the work of the research bases, a restaurant and a shop whose proceeds fund the conservation itself. Important: hatchling releases and animal encounters depend on the season and on the day’s rescues — they are not a guaranteed spectacle, and that is exactly what makes the work serious.
When to go and precautions
The center operates year-round. If your dream is to see a hatchling release, the chance exists in the breeding season — confirm dates and times on the official channel before booking the trip. Go early to enjoy it calmly, wear sunscreen and respect the tank rules: no touching the animals and no flash where signposted.
🥾 Who is it for?
For families with children of any age, marine-life lovers and anyone who wants to understand how a fishing village helped save Brazil’s turtles. It is the most accessible outing in the region — flat, short and full of history.