The Tamar Project is a fascinating marine center for sea turtles on the edge of a forest by the Atlantic Ocean. The animal sanctuary has outdoor pools containing several turtle species that were found in poor condition on the beach.
Start your visit by watching the short documentary film that explains the work of the Tamar Project. Then go on a tour of the center to see how the turtles are nursed back to good health.
Read the information panels that cover numerous turtle related topics such as their anatomy and the damaging effects that humans have on the world’s sea turtle population. Learn about how to perform turtle CPR. If you want to know more about turtles and their preservation, ask one of the docents.
Go to the outside pools to watch the large marine reptiles swimming. There are five pools here, and at any one time the center may have four or five different turtle species that are found in Brazil. If you’re in luck, you may see the turtles being fed. Be sure to bring your camera for some great shots.
Once the turtles are strong enough to survive in the wild, they are released back onto the beaches.
The Tamar Project is open every day including holidays, from morning until evening, with slight variation depending on the season. Admission charges apply, but discounts are available for students and people under 12 and over 60 years of age.
Situated by the Barra da Lagoa, the turtle project is about 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) from the center of Florianopolis. There are free parking spaces outside the visitor center. If you don’t have a rental car, the taxi journey takes about 40 minutes. Among the facilities at the Tamar Project are a snack bar, stage for outdoor concerts and children’s area with animal pictures to color in.
