Chapeirão Mau Mau

The underwater trail at the Chapeirão Mau-Mau in the Abrolhos Marine National Park is an exciting new attraction for divers. Spanning 140 meters, the trail features 14 pins installed on the sandy bottom and cables that connect the points of interest. These pins serve as guides, facilitating the interpretation of each location and its unique attractions.

One of the main highlights of the trail is the presence of endangered giant anemones (Condylactis gigantea). These delicate marine species resemble vibrant flowers and can be found attached to the rocks at the sea floor. Divers will also encounter various species of clown shrimps, known for their role as cleaners in removing parasites from fish. The underwater trail is also home to a stunning variety of sponges, each displaying a range of colors, shapes, and sizes. During night dives, divers will be captivated by the gorgonocephalus, a member of the starfish family, and the fascinating hedgehogs that extend their arms and can measure up to 1 meter in length.

The underwater trail takes divers through a complex environment, passing by 16 hatches and other reef formations in different sizes and shapes. The trail also traverses seaweed banks and marine grasses, offering diverse underwater landscapes. With its white sandy bottom and good visibility of up to 8 meters, the night dives can be undertaken with safety and ease.

The Chapeirão Mau-Mau underwater trail is an interpretive and guided experience, similar to other scuba dives within the Abrolhos Marine National Park. To ensure the preservation of the environment and the safety of divers, there are a set of rules that must be followed. Commercial visits to the underwater trail are only allowed with authorization from the park. Additionally, dive guides must undergo specific training and have a minimum of two registered dives on the trail before they can lead visitors. Anchoring is restricted to designated points to prevent damage to the environment, and all necessary equipment must be in working condition.

Night diving on the trail is reserved for divers with advanced night dive certification. Specific equipment requirements include two flashlights per diver, a Strobo diving beacon attached to the boat's anchor cable, and individual "Sea Lume" beacons for both the driver and each visitor during the dive. The maximum number of visitors per guide follows the guidelines set for other diving points within the park and may be adjusted based on activity monitoring.

The Chapeirão Mau-Mau underwater trail offers beginners and advanced divers alike a remarkable experience to explore the marine biodiversity of Abrolhos Marine National Park. In addition to the stunning array of fish commonly found in coral reefs, such as sulphur fish and moray eels, divers may encounter large rays, schools of hoe, and other local fish species including trevally, guarajuba, arabaiana, ox-eye, and pampo.

The establishment of the underwater trail aims to increase awareness about the diverse marine environments and promote responsible diving practices. Fernando Repinaldo Filho, the head of the park, believes that through this initiative, visitors can develop a deeper appreciation for the marine fauna and flora, particularly the unique chapeirões found only in Abrolhos. With its unparalleled beauty and commitment to conservation, the Chapeirão Mau-Mau underwater trail inspires visitors to preserve and protect the oceans and marine life.

Located near Farol de Abrolhos, Bahia, in the Northeast Region of Brazil, the Abrolhos Marine National Park manages the Chapeirão Mau-Mau underwater trail. The project is a result of collaborative efforts involving the park management team, authorized tour operators, and various institutions dedicated to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the Abrolhos region. The Chapeirão Mau-Mau underwater trail also receives support from the Marine and Coastal Protected Areas Project (GEF Mar).

Diving enthusiasts of all levels are invited to embark on this extraordinary adventure, exploring the depths of Chapeirão Mau-Mau and witnessing the wonders of the underwater world in Abrolhos Marine National Park.