visitor center · Ubatuba, SP
Projeto Tamar
The visitor center in the Itaguá neighborhood has sea turtle observation tanks, an aquarium and enclosures with freshwater and land species. It also houses a caiçara museum with more than 200 objects from the local traditional culture.
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 Projeto Tamar
Projeto Tamar in Ubatuba is the visitor center of Brazil's sea turtle conservation program. It is in the Itaguá neighborhood, near the waterfront, and is one of the most popular outings in town on a rainy day or with kids.
The Ubatuba base was created in 1991 and plays a different role from the bases in the Northeast. The São Paulo North Coast is not a nesting area: it is a feeding area, where young turtles come close to shore to eat. Many used to get caught accidentally in fishing nets, and working with local fishermen became the core of the project.
On the visit you see tanks and aquariums with sea turtles in rehabilitation, as well as fish and other animals. Panels explain the life of the turtles and the threats they face. The space also houses a caiçara museum, with objects from the traditional culture of the region's fishermen.
The visit is short, flat and easy, good for all ages. There is an entrance fee.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to one and a half hours lets you see the tanks, the aquariums and the caiçara museum at a relaxed pace.
Best time
Year-round. It is a good option for cloudy or rainy days, and in high season it is worth arriving early to avoid lines.
How to get there
It is on Rua Antônio Athanásio, in the Itaguá neighborhood, near the waterfront and a few minutes from downtown Ubatuba. You can walk along the downtown waterfront or go by car or taxi.
Tip
Check opening days and hours on the Tamar website before you go. Afterward, take a walk along the Itaguá waterfront, which is very close.
A look at the place
Projeto Tamar in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Projeto Tamar
Is there an entrance fee for Projeto Tamar in Ubatuba?
Yes, there is an entrance fee. Check prices and hours on the Tamar website.
Where is Projeto Tamar in Ubatuba?
On Rua Antônio Athanásio, in the Itaguá neighborhood, near the waterfront and a few minutes from downtown.
Are there real turtles at Tamar in Ubatuba?
Yes. There are tanks and aquariums with sea turtles, many in rehabilitation after getting caught in fishing nets.
How long does the visit take?
Between one and one and a half hours.
Do sea turtles nest in Ubatuba?
No. The Ubatuba coast is a feeding area: young turtles come close to shore to eat. That is why the base focuses on working with fishermen.