Projeto Tamar Ubatuba: A Visitor's Guide to Sea Turtle Conservation

Projeto Tamar Ubatuba is a sea turtle conservation center that has been operating in Ubatuba since 1990, rehabilitating and releasing more than 13,000 turtles back into the ocean. The visitor center sits at Rua Antônio Athanásio, 273 in the Itaguá neighborhood, just a short walk from the beach and a 10-minute drive from Ubatuba's historic center. Entry costs R$40 for adults, with half-price tickets at R$20 for students, seniors over 60, and children from 6 to 17; kids under 6 and registered Ubatuba residents get in free. The center opens Thursday through Tuesday from 10:00 to 17:00, closed Wednesdays for maintenance — a schedule that catches some tourists off guard, so plan your visit accordingly.

What You'll See and Do at Projeto Tamar Ubatuba

The center is compact but well-organized, with a series of tanks and aquariums housing five species of sea turtles: loggerhead, green, hawksbill, olive ridley, and leatherback. Most of the turtles here are either permanent residents with injuries that prevent release, or temporary guests undergoing rehabilitation. Informative panels in Portuguese and English explain the biology of each species, the threats they face from fishing nets and coastal development, and the work Tamar does along 1,100 kilometers of Brazilian coastline.

The Tanks and Aquariums

The main tanks are shallow and open-air, allowing close views of the turtles as they glide past. A word of advice: keep your hands out of the water. The turtles may look docile, but they can bite, and human contact stresses them. The center also has a small aquarium section with local fish and a touch tank where kids can handle starfish and sea urchins under staff supervision. Allow about 90 minutes for the full circuit if you stop to read the displays — 25 minutes if you rush through, but that misses the point.

Interactive Feeding Sessions

A highlight for families is the turtle feeding, which typically happens at 17:00 (check the schedule at the entrance). You need to sign up an hour in advance with the monitors, and spots fill up fast during school holidays. During the feeding, staff explain what each turtle eats and why some are on special diets. Kids get to toss food into the tanks — a simple activity that tends to be the memory they carry home.

The Caiçara Museum and Educational Spaces

The center also houses a small museum dedicated to the Caiçara culture — the traditional fishing communities of Brazil's southeast coast. Exhibits include handcrafted canoes, fishing nets, and tools that show how locals have lived alongside the sea for generations. There's also an auditorium showing short films about conservation, and a kids' play area with turtle-themed activities. The on-site shop sells T-shirts, plush toys, and souvenirs; prices lean high (a basic tee runs about R$60), but proceeds go back into the project.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Timing matters more than you might expect. The center is busiest from December to February, when Ubatuba's summer crowds peak — expect queues at the ticket window and more noise in the tanks area. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday morning during the low season (April to June or September to November). Rainy days are common in Ubatuba — the town's nickname is "Ubachuva" (roughly, "rain city") — but the center has covered areas, so a drizzle won't ruin your visit. A downpour might.

Getting There and Getting Around

From Ubatuba's rodoviária (bus station), local buses 01 Tabatinga, 03 Fortaleza, 04 Corcovado, 05 Rio Escuro, and 07 Perequê-Mirim all pass near the center; the closest stop is on Rua Doutor Félix Guisard, about a 3-minute walk. If you're driving, there's limited parking on the surrounding streets — arrive early or use the paid lot two blocks away. Ride-hailing apps like Uber work in Ubatuba, and a trip from the center costs around R$15.

Tickets, Discounts, and Free Entry

Full price is R$40, half-price R$20. Bring a student ID or proof of age for discounts — they're strict about documentation. A family passport (two adults and two children) costs R$98, saving you R$22 compared to buying separately. Groups over 20 people can pre-book for R$38 per person. Children under 5 and registered Ubatuba residents enter free, but residents need to show proof of address and a document at the ticket office. Note that prices change occasionally; check the official Tamar website before you go.

How Long to Stay and What to Combine

Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours at the center. If you're traveling with kids who want to do the feeding and the play area, budget 2 hours. A smart half-day itinerary: arrive at 10:00 when it opens, tour the tanks and museum, then head to Itaguá Beach for lunch — the seafood restaurants along the waterfront are reliable. In the afternoon, you can visit the Ubatuba Aquarium, which is 5 minutes away by car and stays open until 22:00. That combination covers marine life and conservation in one day without feeling rushed.

When to Visit and What to Expect Seasonally

Sea turtle nesting season runs from September to March, with peak hatching in January and February. During these months, the Tamar team sometimes releases baby turtles on nearby beaches — an event announced on their social media and at the center. If you're lucky enough to be there, it's worth rearranging your plans to watch. The center does not guarantee releases; they depend on nest locations and hatchling health.

Weather-wise, Ubatuba is hot and humid from December to March, with temperatures between 25°C and 30°C and frequent afternoon showers. June to August is cooler (13°C to 25°C) and drier — better for hiking and fewer crowds at the center. Whatever the season, bring sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent: the center has open-air sections and mosquitoes are active year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Projeto Tamar Ubatuba suitable for young children?

Yes, it's one of the better family attractions in Ubatuba. Kids under 6 enter free, and the feeding sessions and touch tank are designed for children. Strollers can navigate most of the paths, though the aquarium building has a few steps.

Can I visit on a Wednesday?

No, the center is closed on Wednesdays for maintenance. This schedule is consistent year-round, although holiday hours can vary — check the official site if you're visiting during Christmas or Carnival week.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Walk-ins are fine for individuals and small groups. For groups over 20 people, advance booking is required to get the discounted rate and ensure staff availability. During peak summer weekends, arriving before 11:00 avoids the longest ticket lines.

Are there English-language materials?

Yes, most exhibit panels have English translations, and staff members generally speak some English. Guided tours in English can be arranged for groups with prior notice — call (12) 3832-6202 to check availability.

What's the best way to get there from São Paulo?

The drive from São Paulo takes about 2.5 hours via the Rodovia dos Tamoios (SP-099). Buses run from São Paulo's Tietê terminal to Ubatuba several times a day, and from the Ubatuba bus station you can take a local bus or ride-hailing car to the center.