João Vieira and Poilão Marine National Park

João Vieira and Poilão Marine National Park is a protected marine and island area in the Bijagós Archipelago of Guinea-Bissau, established to conserve coastal habitats and significant sea turtle nesting sites.

The park encompasses several small islands and adjacent marine areas and is especially important for sea turtle reproduction and for seabird colonies. Most conservation activity focuses on safeguarding nesting beaches, monitoring populations and restricting disturbance during key seasons.

The area was designated to protect biodiversity in the Bijagós, with particular emphasis on turtles and shorebirds; local communities and conservation organisations have been involved in monitoring and management. Traditional uses and seasonal activities are balanced with conservation measures.

The park lies in the Atlantic off the coast of Guinea-Bissau within the Bijagós Archipelago, made up of offshore islands, mangroves and marine waters; many islands in the park are remote and reachable only by boat from the mainland.

• Turtle conservation: Protects important sea turtle nesting beaches and coastal habitats within the Bijagós Archipelago, with conservation focused on species such as green and olive ridley turtles.
• Access restrictions: Access is regulated to protect nesting colonies; visitor access to core nesting islands is typically restricted or controlled by park authorities and conservation groups.

What to See #

• Poilão: Poilão is an uninhabited island within the park noted for extremely high-density sea turtle nesting, especially green turtles; it is managed strongly for conservation and is typically closed to casual visitors during nesting seasons.
• João Vieira: João Vieira is a nearby island that, together with Poilão, forms the core of the marine protected area and supports nesting turtles and coastal bird colonies; limited research and monitoring activities take place here.