Myers Real Estate International

In the 15th and 16th centuries Portugal, an Iberian Kingdom with barely a million inhabitants, was hemmed in by the Atlantic in front and by a hostile Castile behind. After years of struggle against the Moorish occupation, the Portuguese turned their attention and energy to the sea and what lay beyond. While the Spaniards set out in search of a route to the Orient by voyaging to the West, the Portuguese opted for the so-called Southern Cycle down the African coast. Reaching the Cape of Good Hope in 1487, they were led by the navigator, Vasco da Gama, across the Indian Ocean to discover the sea route to the Far East in 1497. They knew of the existence of lands across the Atlantic and they had made several expeditions to the West before Columbus discovered the Antilles in 1492, but they had kept the knowledge to themselves in order to forestall the ambitions of Spain, England, and France. For a small nation, secrecy was the only available method of safeguarding the rewards of bold and successful exploration against exploitation by more powerful maritime rivals.

Diving
If diving is your passion, Brazil is your destination. Brazil offers amazing gifts to all divers – the beginner, advanced and the adventurous . The national marine parks of Fernando de Noronha and Abrolhos, the famous wrecks of Recife, the incredible clear rivers and fresh water caverns and caves of Bonito. These places feature year round warm waters, coral reefs teaming with tropical fish, dolphins, whales, turtles, rays, sharks, all in abundance due to a unique combination of climate, Atlantic ocean currents and geographical location.

Fishing
Nearly every region in Brazil provides great opportunities for sport fishing. The country offers all that the fisherman could wish for: mighty rivers surrounded by tropical forests, rapids, lakes, endless stretches of beaches, mangroves and rocky coastline, not to mention the vast sea. Specialists from around the world are unanimous in classifying Brazil as among the countries richest in fish, and therefore an ideal destination for sport fishing - whether you prefer fly fishing, bait casting, spinning or angling with different baits.

Golf
In the past five years golf in Brazil has experienced a dramatic surge in popularity, with a sevenfold increase in registered players since the late nineties. Exceptional new golf courses have been built or are under construction nationwide, many along the exquisite coastline. Leading resorts are taking advantage of the new trend, constructing courses on their paradise-like premises. Now, in twelve Brazilian states you can find Golf Courses, Clubs or Resorts. Furthermore, the Brasilia Golf Club boasts a delightful lake-side 18-hole course designed by world renowned architect Robert Trent Jones, just 10 minutes from the city center. In 2002 the European Professional Golf Tour held two of its stages at the Itanhangá and São Paulo Golf Clubs. In 2004 the Brazilian Confederation of Golf (CBG) will be launching a tour called Get to Know Brazil Playing Golf.

Surfing
The vast majority of surfing done in Brazil is divided among Fernando do Noronha, Florianópolis, and Rio de Janeiro. Brazil is sure to satisfy your surfing demands, whether you customarily spend your days chasing the world's hottest waves, or are looking to take lessons for the first time.