The Tamar Project in Fernando de Noronha aims to protect sea turtles from extinction. It is one of many branches in Brazil, where five out of the seven species of sea turtles can be found. Make your way to the Visitors Center of the Open-Air Museum of Sea Turtles for its various exhibits.
The center, which is built from environmentally friendly materials, receives about 40,000 visitors per year. Peruse the panels with diagrams explaining the sea turtles’ ecosystem, lifespan and predicament. See replicas of the species native to Brazil alongside skeletal displays, artistic representations and videos.
Follow the docents as they track the marine animals on Mondays and Fridays. Night monitoring is also possible from December to June.
Learn about the plight of the sea turtles in Brazil. Their population is in rapid decline from illegal fishing, irregular usage of beaches and egg consumption. Hear about the complex life cycles of these intriguing animals and find out how the project helps with their conservation.
See the markings for turtle nests as you make your way around the island’s beaches. The project restricts beach access at times to protect sea turtles. The site holds a research center and a laboratory, while much of its research is conducted on nearby Lion Beach.
Stay into the evening to listen to one of the daily lectures on sea turtles from invited speakers. The auditorium has comfortable seating and the specific theme varies each time. Learn about the various ways of preserving the marine ecology of the region. Attend the nightly showing of environmental films.
Entry to the visitor center is free. It opens daily from morning until late evening. Browse the shop for gifts with a sea turtle theme.
The Tamar Project is near the northern coast of the island, a short walk north from the airport. Find an area of restaurants and posadas a little back from the beaches. Visit the scenic stretches of sand of Porcos Bay, Cacimba do Padre Beach and Sancho Bay for excellent views of Dois Irmãos Hill.