Sea Turtle - Praia do Forte 4 days

Sea turtles at Praia do Forte © TAMAR

Tamar, a name derived from the Brazilian Portuguese word for sea turtles -"Tartaruga Marinha" - is a project for the preservation of the sea turtles of Brazil. Until 1979, there was no work for the preservation of these reptiles in Brazil. Populations were declining rapidly due to the selective killing of the females as they came ashore to lay their eggs. The consumption of their eggs, illegal fishing and irregular use of the beaches were other reasons for the disappearance of sea turtles at various sites along the Brazilian coast. As a response to protests against this indiscriminate killing from both Brazil and other countries, the government created the sea turtle project. The initial objectives, which took two years to realize, were to quantify the different species of turtles in Brazil, their nesting beaches, the period of reproduction and the major problems concerning the preservation of these animals. This led to the creation of  Projeto Tamar by Ibama - the Brazilian Federal Institute for the Environment - an entity of the Ministry for the Environment that was co-administered by several nongovernmental organizations. As the project grew, the involvement of these many organizations led to complications in its administration. Thus, in 1987, Pró-Tamar, an independent foundation was created.

Today, IBAMA and Pró-TAMAR provide TAMAR project the support necessary to protect sea turtles over a 1100 km of Brazilian coast.

Program Summary
Day 1 Salvador - Tropical Hotel da Bahia
Arrival at Salvador International Airport. Transfer from airport to hotel. Afternoon Salvador historical city tour. Dinner and folklore show at Miguel Santana Theater and Uauá Restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Tropical da Bahia. (D)

Day 2 Salvador - Praia do Forte
Departure from Salvador to Praia do Forte. Reception and check in at Praia do Forte Resort Hotel. Visit to Projeto Tamar- the sea turtle project for preservation of the species, where it is possible to see the various species of Brazilian turtles at their different life stages. Return to hotel walking along the beaches, such as “Papa-Gente" with the natural swimming pools and " Lord's Pools". Stop for lunching at local restaurant. Visit the ruins of Garcia D'Ávila's Castle, considered the first big Portuguese construction of the 16th century in Brazil. Chance to enjoy a beautiful view of the coastline covered with coconut trees. Return to the hotel passing by a beautiful lake surrounded by dense vegetation. Overnight at Praia do Forte Resort Hotel. (B,L)

Day 3 Praia do Forte
Day at leisure. Overnight at Praia do Forte Resort Hotel. (B)

Day 4 Praia do Forte - Salvador
Morning return to Salvador airport. (B)

General Information

Capacity:	Maximum of 15 travelers
Level:	Easy Level Program
Guide Language:	English. Other language upon request
Included:	Transfers in/out airport Salvador. Overnights on Praia do Forte Eco-Resort. All activities and meals mentioned above
Not Included:	Beverages. Medical expenses, hospitalization. Any type of insurance
Personal Gear:	T-shirts, shorts, short, swimsuits, sunscreen, sunglasses and snorkeling equipment