Tamar Project Foundation – Ubatuba

The TAMAR Project Foundation in Ubatuba (Projeto TAMAR) is not just an attraction, but one of the most important conservation initiatives in Brazil, dedicated to the rescue and study of sea turtles. Located in a picturesque coastal city, this center is both a scientific base and an exciting destination for visitors of all ages. Here, you can get up close to several species of sea turtles, including rare albinos, and learn about the incredible work that scientists and volunteers do to protect them.

Visiting the center is a true immersion into the world of marine biology. In numerous aquariums and pools, with a total volume of over 200,000 liters, live turtles of various ages—from tiny hatchlings to adults weighing over 130 kg. Thanks to information stands, interactive exhibits, and guide stories, guests learn about the life cycle of these amazing creatures, the threats they face in the wild, and how the project helps them survive.

The TAMAR Project is more than just a tourist site; it is an educational platform that inspires care for the ocean. In addition to observing turtles, you can visit the small Caiçara Museum, dedicated to the culture of local fishing communities closely tied to the sea. A visit here is a great opportunity not only to have an unforgettable experience but also to contribute to the preservation of marine biodiversity, as all proceeds from ticket sales go toward maintaining and developing the project.

If you are planning to visit the TAMAR Project Foundation – Ubatuba or want to clarify details such as the turtle feeding schedule or opening hours, you can contact its representatives directly. All up-to-date information is also available on the center's official website, which is regularly updated.

Visiting the TAMAR Project Foundation is more than just animal watching; it is a full interactive adventure. Guests can walk through modern exhibits that tell the story of sea turtles' lives, their habitats, and species conservation efforts in an engaging way. The main attraction, of course, is the spacious pools where you can closely observe several species of these graceful creatures and learn about their rehabilitation and the process of returning them to the ocean. This is a unique opportunity to see how specialists care for turtles at every stage of their journey back to freedom.

The center's educational mission is evident in everything. For visitors of all ages, from children to adults, educational programs, themed tours, and workshops are regularly held. The center often hosts events dedicated to nature protection, temporary exhibitions, and lectures that make each visit truly special and informative. Such activities provide a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving marine ecosystems and the role of every individual in this process.

To make the visit even more pleasant, there is a souvenir shop and a cozy cafe on the complex's grounds. In the shop, you can find unique eco-friendly products and handmade items, the purchase of which will be your personal contribution to supporting the project. And after a busy tour, you can always relax and share your impressions over a cup of coffee.

Getting to the TAMAR Project Foundation in Ubatuba is quite easy, as it is located in the central part of the city. The exact address is Rua Antonio Athanasio da Silva, 273, in the Itaguá district, just two kilometers from the center and the beach of the same name. Travelers already in the city can easily reach it by taxi, personal car, or rental car. Public transport is also available: city buses run regularly from central Ubatuba and neighboring areas.

For tourists arriving from other cities in Brazil or from abroad, the journey begins with a flight to one of the nearest major airports located in São Paulo or São José dos Campos. From São Paulo, you can reach Ubatuba by a comfortable intercity bus, and the trip takes about 4–5 hours. Upon arrival at the Ubatuba bus station, the most convenient way to reach the foundation is by local taxi. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle, which allows you not only to reach the site quickly but also to enjoy scenic coastal views.

The history of the TAMAR Project is a shining example of how dedication can change the world. The initiative was born in the early 1980s as a response to the critical decline in the sea turtle population off the coast of Brazil. At that time, these ancient sea dwellers were on the brink of extinction due to poaching and accidental bycatch. The name of the project, "TAMAR," was chosen for practical reasons: it is an abbreviation of the Portuguese words Tartaruga Marinha (sea turtle), which was convenient for marking small metal tags used to identify rescued animals.

The center in Ubatuba opened its doors in 1991 and quickly became one of the project's most important branches. It was the first base established in a feeding zone, allowing scientists and volunteers to work directly in the turtles' natural environment. Over the years, the project has achieved incredible success: thanks to its efforts, hundreds of thousands of young turtles have been saved and released into the ocean, making a huge contribution to the recovery of their population.

From the beginning, the TAMAR Project was more than just a rescue mission. One of its key goals was to educate and involve the local community. The foundation in Ubatuba actively collaborates with fishermen, encouraging them to report accidentally caught turtles and help return them to the sea. In addition, the center conducts extensive educational work with schools and tourists, talking about the importance of preserving marine ecosystems and inspiring thousands of people to take care of nature.

To fully enjoy your visit to the TAMAR Project Foundation – Ubatuba, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 3 hours. This time is usually enough to leisurely explore all the exhibits, observe the lives of sea turtles in spacious pools, and even join one of the educational programs regularly held by the center's staff. This time allowance will let you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this amazing place in Brazil and learn a lot about marine fauna conservation.

If you are short on time, you can manage in one hour by focusing on the main pools with turtles of different species and ages. However, for a deeper immersion, it is worth planning a longer visit. In three hours or more, you can not only carefully study all the information stands and visit the small museum but also wait for the animals' feeding time, which will be a truly memorable highlight of your visit to this important center in Ubatuba.

The TAMAR Project Foundation – Ubatuba is open to visitors daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is important to remember that the schedule may change on holidays and weekends, so it is highly recommended to check the current opening hours on the center's official website or via the contact phone number before your visit.

As a rule, advance ticket booking for individual visitors is not required; they can be purchased on-site. However, if you are planning a visit as part of a large group or want to participate in special programs, it is worth contacting the center in advance to clarify the details. The center is open year-round, making it a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year, offering a unique opportunity to get to know the world of sea turtles.

A visit to the TAMAR Project Foundation is undoubtedly a bright and educational experience, but a trip to Ubatuba would be incomplete without exploring its surroundings. The Itaguá district, where the center is located, and its adjacent areas offer many interesting places that will make your trip even more fulfilling and diverse. A walk nearby will allow you to better feel the atmosphere of this Brazilian resort, get to know its culture, and discover other attractions.

Within walking distance of the turtle rescue center, you will find everything you need for a full vacation: from picturesque beaches and other tourist sites to cozy restaurants and shopping centers. Below is a list of nearby places that might interest you.