The Abrolhos Archipelago is a Marine National Park located 45 miles off the mid-eastern coast of Brazil. The archipelago of five volcanic islands harbors the greatest chains of coral reefs in the South Atlantic spreading across more than 9 million square yards. The ocean around Abrolhos also covers one of the rarest and most exuberant coral reef banks in the region. According to scientific knowledge, there is no other place on earth where you can see the type of coral reef pinnacle prevalent in Abrolhos waters, locally known as “chapeirão” [sha-payr-an-o]. The species looks like a giant mutant mushroom and is overgrown with fans of fire coral and round knobs of brain coral also unique to this archipelago. Abrolhos is also home to some of the richest coral in Brazil, and one of the rarest in the world. All the existing species of fish in the South Atlantic can be found in the surroundings of the archipelago. Between July and November, Abrolhos is visited by Humpback whales, who give their own spectacular performance leaping from the water and emitting a variety of sounds. One of the rarest species of endangered mammals, they measure up to 50 feet and weigh around 30 tons. Abrolhos is the only area in the South Atlantic to which the whales go in order to mate, give birth and escape the Antarctic winters. They are in the archipelago for their entire mating season. The male whales meet the females again and try to attract them by serenading the ladies with all kinds of sweet songs. The Humpbacks are considered to be the most docile of all whale species, and are also known for their highly-developed communication and acrobatics. That makes for a perfect whale-watching-or-hearing opportunity, whether touring on the topside or diving down under. In the interest of preserving the whales’ privacy and ensuring their annual return, tourists must maintain a distance of 330 feet from the whales. Charles Darwin was attracted by the rich fauna and paid a research visit to the archipelago in the 1830s. Today, you are allowed to dive in these turquoise blue waters, provided you are in the company of a guide. There are so many spectacular sights in the archipelago’s coast that it is almost impossible to pick the best dives.