island · Pontal do Paraná, PR
Parque Nacional Marinho das Ilhas dos Currais
Made up of the Grapirá, Três Picos and Filhote islands, it holds one of the region's main frigatebird nesting colonies, as well as boobies, gulls and terns. Managed by ICMBio, it allows guided boat trips and diving, with landing only by permit.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque Nacional Marinho das Ilhas dos Currais
The Parque Nacional Marinho das Ilhas dos Currais (marine national park) protects a small group of rocky islands in the open sea, off Praia de Leste, in Pontal do Paraná. It was created on June 20, 2013, by Law No. 12,829, and is Paraná's first marine national park. It is managed by ICMBio.
The archipelago is made up of the Grapirá, Três Picos and Filhote islands. They are rocky islands with no beaches, vegetation on top and cliffs battered by the sea. Around them are artificial reefs that shelter fish.
The big attraction is the birds. The islands hold one of the main frigatebird nesting colonies in southern Brazil, as well as boobies, kelp gulls and terns, which appear at certain times of year. From the boat, you often see frigatebirds gliding over the peaks.
Visits are on boat trips with tour operators, to watch the birds and the scenery, and on scuba or free-diving outings. Landing on the islands is not part of the standard trip: it only happens with ICMBio permission, depending on the purpose of the visit. If you get seasick, keep in mind that the crossing is in open sea.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
The boat trip takes a few hours; dive outings usually take up much of the day.
Best time
On days of calm sea and settled weather, more common in summer; in the morning the sea is usually calmer for the crossing and the light is good for birdwatching.
How to get there
The islands are in the open sea, off Praia de Leste, in Pontal do Paraná, about 95 km from Curitiba. Access is only by boat, with local tour and dive operators.
Tip
Book with an operator that knows the park rules, bring binoculars for the birds and check the sea forecast before you go, because the trip depends on the weather.
Official website
A look at the place
Parque Nacional Marinho das Ilhas dos Currais in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Nacional Marinho das Ilhas dos Currais
Can you land on the Ilhas dos Currais?
Not on a standard trip. Landing is only allowed with ICMBio permission, depending on the purpose of the visit. Tours view the islands from the boat.
How do I get to the Ilhas dos Currais?
Only by boat. The islands are in the open sea, off Praia de Leste, in Pontal do Paraná, and trips are run by local tour and dive operators.
Can you dive at the Ilhas dos Currais?
Yes. The park allows free diving and scuba diving, taking care not to harm the environment. Look for a licensed dive operator.
What birds can you see at the Ilhas dos Currais?
Frigatebirds, which have one of their main nesting colonies in southern Brazil there, as well as boobies, kelp gulls and, at certain times of year, terns.
When was the park created?
On June 20, 2013, by Law No. 12,829. It is Paraná's first marine national park and is managed by ICMBio.