Tamar Sea Turtle Conservation Project (Projeto Tamar Florianopolis) Tours and Activities

Located on the eastern side of Brazil’s Santa Catarina Island, Projeto Tamar Florianópolis is conservation center dedicated to protecting the region’s different species of sea turtles from the destructive effects of commercial fishing. Guided tours show visitors how the project protects sea turtles in Brazil.

The Basics
A visit to Projeto Tamar Florianópolis is both educational and fun. Observe the rescued turtles, housed in five observation tanks, and watch daily feeding sessions. (If you visit at the right time of year, you can even watch rehabilitated turtles return to the sea. Explore the centre on the twice-daily guided tours, which provide information about the rescue and rehabilitation of loggerhead turtles. On weekends, the center also lets visitors help with feedings.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Projeto Tamar Florianópolis is offers engaging and educational visit for wildlife lovers and families.
• Guided tours last about 1 hour.
• Students and senior citizens receive discounted entry.
• The site has a gift shop offering clothing and souvenirs; proceeds go toward  preservation efforts.

How to Get There
Projeto Tamar Florianópolis sits in  a prime location, right beside the beach, in the fishing village of Barra da Lagoa. The center is within walking distance of all Barra da Lagoa’s attractions and is about a 40-minute drive from central Florianopolis on the Admar Gonzaga road.

When to Get There
Projeto Tamar Florianópolis is open daily. Feeding sessions (including the interactive sessions held on weekends) take place in the afternoon.

Sand Dunes of Joaquina
After visiting Projeto Tamar Florianópolis, head to the sand dunes of neary Joaquina Beach, where you can get your adrenaline fix during a sandboarding session. Home to some of the highest sand dunes in Brazil, the area is an ideal place to try surfing on sand instead of waves.