Abrolhos Islands

An amazing archipelago consisting of 122 islands clustered into three main groups the Wallaby, Easter and Pelsart Group, which network over an expansive 100 kms of ocean. The islands boast an extensive range of marine life, thanks to a unique mix of tropical and temperature marine species. The unique coral reef formations and spectacular coral gardens make for magnificent scuba diving and snorkeling while the prolific fish life abounds making for excellent fishing.

The Abrolhos Islands are also rich in maritime history. The islands were quickly named by the early mariners, “abre os olhos” Abrolhos, meaning “open the eyes”. Wrecks are littered throughout the islands, a reminder just how hazardous these waters once were. The best known being that of the Dutch East India Company vessel Batavia(1629), wrecked on Morning Reef near Beacon Island. While Commander Pelsaert and 44 of his men took the ship’s tender to Jakarta for help, fighting and mutiny erupted on the Islands. Jeronimus Cornelisz had more than 130 men, women and children murdered. When Pelsart returned he captured the perpetrators had them trialled and they were hung.
The Batavia and the Zeewijk are the best known shipwrecks at the Abrolhos. There have been around 18 other historic shipwrecks that have been discovered around the Abrolhos waters.

Many species of breeding sea bird colonies keep the skies dancing with entertainment, whilst the protected waters are a haven for marine mammals such as the sun basking sea lines, bottlenose dolphins and migratory whales. Swell lines wrapping left and right around the islands make quality surfing locations possible in a variety of weather conditions.