Arvoredo
Island:
The Arvoredo archipelago, lying off the Santa Catarina
coast, is one of the most important natural and archaeological
heritage sites along the Brazilian coast. The Arvoredo
Marine Biology Reserve covers 17,800 hectares. Hunting,
fishing and exploitation of the island are forbidden.
The reserve is a site of archaeological, historical
and ecological importance. Drawings of human figures
and ancient burial sites are vestiges of habitation
4,000 to 2,000 years ago. The waters of the reserve
also preserve the history of shipwrecks that took place
there, such as the cargo ship Lili, which went down
off Galé island in 1958.
The Brazil and Malvinas ocean currents meet here,
with the result that the archipelago is located in
a region of great marine diversity. The clear waters
mean that the rich flora and fauna are to be found
at depths of 5 to 40 meters, making this the best
place for diving in South Brazil.
Almost the entirety of Arvoredo Island is covered
with Atlantic rain forest, sheltering an enormous
diversity of flora and fauna.
