The mangrove forests near Porto de Galinhas are home to a huge seahorse colony and nursery. Seahorses live amongst the mangrove roots where the water is still and they hang on to the roots with their tails during tidal movements, so they’re easy to spot.

There are two kinds of seahorse to see here: the long snouted seahorse and the short snouted seahorse. You would think from their unimaginative names the seahorses would all look quite similar (except for the length of their snouts) however they come in a huge range of colours that depend more on genetics and their environment than their species name, so you will see everything from orange to green and all shades between.

Local fishing boats run trips amongst the mangroves and most guides will scoop up a seahorse (in a glass jar) and give you a chance to get friendly.

Fish and crabs also use the mangrove forest as a nursery and between September and March sea turtles come to lay their eggs along the nearby beaches.

Porto de Galinhas is also a good spot to enjoy the palm laced beaches, go kitesurfing, diving or snorkel on the relatively unspoilt reefs.

Written by  Jodie Kimbah.

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