Between one sea swim and the next, Praia do Forte holds two experiences that transform the trip: meeting sea turtles up close at Project Tamar and plunging into the Atlantic Forest of the Sapiranga Reserve. Together, they tell the story of how a fishing village became a benchmark of conservation in Brazil.
Project Tamar: the turtles that changed a village
Created in the early 1980s, when Brazil’s sea turtles were on the brink of collapse, Project Tamar chose Praia do Forte as one of its historic bases. The work with the fishermen turned egg hunters into nest protectors — and gave the village a new economy, based on conservation tourism.
The visitor center, next to the lighthouse, is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the tanks you can observe up close four of the five sea turtle species that nest on the Brazilian coast, along with exhibits on their life cycle and the threats they still face. The project’s shop channels its proceeds into conservation.
The thrill of the hatchling release
Between September and March, nesting season, the females climb the beach at night to bury their eggs — and weeks later the hatchlings run to the sea. On scheduled dates, Tamar holds releases accompanied by the public: watching dozens of tiny turtles cross the sand at dusk is one of those scenes nobody forgets. Check the schedule when you arrive in the village.
Sapiranga Reserve: the forest behind the beach
A few minutes from the village, the Sapiranga Reserve protects a large stretch of secondary Atlantic Forest regenerating since the 1970s, when the area — heir to the old lands of the Casa da Torre of Garcia D’Ávila — was set aside for conservation. Hiking and mountain-bike trails cross the forest, passing lagoons and the Pojuca River, where kayak outings glide beneath the tree canopy.
With luck and silence, sloths, anteaters, small monkeys and a festival of birds appear — and the river’s iron-reddened waters, by the way, explain the name Sapiranga. Village agencies operate the guided visits, including combos with the Garcia D’Ávila Castle, the reserve’s neighbor.
Tips for the green itinerary
- Go to Tamar in the late afternoon, when the crowds thin and the turtles are more active.
- At Sapiranga, use repellent, closed shoes and bring water — the forest’s humid heat demands it.
- By bike, the trail to the castle is a delightful half-day ride.
- Never touch nests or hatchlings on the beach: alert the Tamar team if you find one.
🥾 Who is it for?
Effort: light at Tamar and the beaches; moderate on Sapiranga’s trails and kayaking. Children: Tamar is unmissable at any age; kayaking from age 8. Seniors and reduced mobility: Tamar is adapted; at Sapiranga, prefer the (seated) kayak outing over the bike trails.
