3 Best Sights in Salvador and the Bahia Coast, Brazil

Swim or snorkel in the crystal clear (and safe) waters of the Papa Gente, a 3-meter- (10-foot-) deep natural pool formed by reefs at the ocean's edge. Located 1½ km (1 mile) from Projecto Tamar, walk north along the beach when the tide is low and look out for a coconut vendor, who sits in front of the path that leads to the pools and has masks and snorkels for rent. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; swimming; walking.

The headquarters of this nationwide turtle preservation project, established in 1980, has turned what was once a small, struggling fishing village into a tourist destination with a mission—to save Brazil's giant sea turtles and their hatchlings. Five of the seven surviving sea-turtle species in the world roam and reproduce on Brazil's Atlantic coast, primarily in Bahia. During the hatching season (September through March), workers patrol the shore at night to locate nests and move eggs or hatchlings at risk of being trampled or run over to safer areas or to the open-air hatchery at the base station. It is here that you can watch adult turtles in the small swimming pools and see the baby turtles that are housed in tanks until they can be released to the sea, something you can take part in between December and February. The headquarters also has educational videos, lectures, and a gift shop. Thirty-three other Tamar stations on beaches across Brazil protect about 15 million hatchlings born each year. If you are looking for a more intimate experience, seek out one of the smaller bases, as this project is certainly the most commercial.

If you have a couple of days to visit Praia do Forte, spend one of them exploring the Reserva de Sapiranga, spread over 600 hectares (1,482 acres) of Atlantic Forest that contains rare orchids and bromeliads. The reserve is a sanctuary for endangered animals. Kayaking is possible on the Rio Pojuca, which flows through the park, and Lago Timeantube, where more than 180 species of native birds have been sighted. Whether you explore by foot, bike, or Jeep, going with an agency, such as PortoMar, is recommended. This local operator also oraganizes zip-lining experiences.