Scuba Diving In Brazil: 10 Brazilian Sites That’ll Give You The Best Diving Experience

2 Dec 2021

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Brazil is amongst the most appealing destinations for travelers heading to South America. The country boasts of some beautiful monuments, wildlife parks, and also one of the seven wonders of the world, Christ The Redeemer. Along with these attractions, Brazil is also famous for its dazzling sea sides lined with silver sand and some breathtaking views. With a coastline which stretches up to 7490 km, scuba diving in Brazil has become the favorite facet of tourism in the country. If you are headed to Brazil on your next vacation, then make sure that you don’t miss out on this thrilling and adventurous opportunity.

10 Sites For Scuba Diving In Brazil

Here are some of the best places where you can enjoy scuba diving to the fullest.

1. Maragogi

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One of the best diving sites in Brazil, this city is located on the Atlantic coast on the east side of Brazil. The conglomeration of sandbars and coral reefs has resulted in the creation of a natural pool which is the major attraction in this resort town. A great place for going underwater and get up close and personal with the friendly fishes and colorful corals. The clear water with an awesome green color makes it easy for visibility. It is a place where the whole family can have some quality time together exploring the sea life. Be prepared with loads of sunblock to protect your skin from the glaring sun as the best hours for scuba diving is during the afternoon.

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2. Fernando De Noronha

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Located about 350 km from the northeast coastline of Brazil, this is a protected site. A famous national marine park, this place is the best for scuba diving in Brazil. The wildlife sanctuary is lined with an uneven coast which is still untouched and offers some splendid beauty to soothe your eyes. The water here is warm and clear and is home to various sea creatures mainly rays, dolphins, sea turtles, dolphins, and reef sharks. The visibility is up to around 30m and there are different diving sites with different visibility options. Amazing sea life along with an array of colors offered by the rock formations is sure to leave you with one of the most mesmerizing and electrifying experiences of your life. A cluster of 21 islands, some of the beaches here are closed at particular times of the day during the turtle nesting season which falls mostly from January to June. It is best to plan your trip to this paradise of a place in advance to avoid any disappointment later on.

3. Laje De Santos

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This island is located in the middle of two cities named Itanhaem and Sao Sebastiao and the place is a bustling hub of our friendly sea animals, making it one of the best diving sites in Brazil. You can see different types of fishes ranging from colorful to ornamental, dolphins, and the most popular manta rays. There is a multitude of options in the choice of your dive which are cliff faces, shipwrecks, tunnels, and the awesome rocky terrains. There are a number of diving points and you can choose them depending upon the dive level, depth and visibility factors. The wrecks of a fishing boat, coral reefs, warm waters, and shoals of cute little fishes make for a perfect and striking combination for a memorable time spent knowing more about what lies under the depths of an ocean.

4. Abrolhos Archipelago Islands

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Located off mainland Brazil just 70 km away, this place consists of five volcanic islands. The place is deserted except for a few staff members of the lighthouse. This calm and quiet beauty of a place is known as a haven for scuba diving in Brazil. There are many wonders that await underwater to transport you into the magical world of the sea. The diversified ecology of this place has around 270 varieties of the reef, shore fishes, loggerhead sea turtles, green sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins. You can also look for octopus, nudibranchs, and different species of crustaceans. The star attraction of this place remains the humpback whales which visit this place from November to July. Take a dive inside and have a close look at these magnanimous creatures weighing about 40 tonnes with their newborns who are just 3 meters in length. Who can imagine that these young kids of the whales can consume up to 200 liters of milk in a day! These islands are accessible only by boats and it takes two to three days to enjoy the amazing sights of this place to the maximum.

5. Arraial Do Cabo

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This quaint village located at a distance of 170 km east of the capital of Brazil is one of the best places for scuba diving in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The calm and clear waters are home to some of the most popular sea animals namely dolphins, sea turtles, sea horses, and shoals of fish. The waters here have the benefits of the resurgence phenomenon which guarantees that the oceans are bound to be full of its occupants all through the year. Advanced level divers can enjoy the cave drive. There is a shipwreck belonging to the 18th century of a ship named Dona Paula making it an interesting point for diving. It takes about 3 hours from Rio to reach the islands. There are regular bus services available starting from 5 am or else you can hire a car to travel the distance and explore more of the surrounding areas too.

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6. Victory 8B Wreck

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This huge wreck of a cargo ship measuring 90 meters is the first reef in Brazil to be developed artificially. The location is just 2 km from the Espirito Santo coast. One of the most popular places for scuba diving in Brazil, the shipwreck rests inside the sea at a depth of 34 meters and is home to a variety of sea life. The epic wrecks of this Greek ship which sank in 2003 along with the mysterious world of marine life will prove to be an exhilarating and stimulating experience for both the amateurs and trained divers.

7. Bonito

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Considered as one of the best destinations for ecotourism in Brazil, this place is a must visit for people who love to explore the world under the waters. The diving spot which is known as Abismo Anhumas is a large cavern covered with stalactite offering diving in this under the ground lake. The beauty of the place is sure to take your breath away with the aqua colored lake waters shimmering from the lights coming from above. You will have to go down for 72 metres abseiling to get to the lake. Amateurs can do snorkelling but only certified divers are allowed to dive inside the lake with a cylinder and up to a distance of 18 metres.

8. Arvoredo Islands

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One of the must-visit places for scuba diving for travelers in Brazil, this is located in Santa Catarina in the southern part of the country. The most popular diving spot here is the Biological Reserve Centre of Arvoredo which is famous for its crystal clear waters rich in both flora and fauna. You can see dolphins, sea turtles, whales, and octopus while diving. The place is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. The average depth for a dive varies between 15 meters to 30 meters. There are also facilities for diving at night. Overall, this is a place which will surely reward you with some of the best underwater sights.

9. Ilha Grande

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This is an exotic destination consisting of beautiful beaches, enchanting forests, lakes, and waterfalls. Ilha Grande is a small island where the waters are filled with shipwrecks and rich sea life making it an ideal place for scuba diving throughout the year. The wreckage of the ships belongs to some hundred years ago from a battle between colonial forces and pirates. The history and nature combined together give this place an interesting mix for an intoxicating feel.

10. Recife

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Known as the shipwreck capital of Brazil, this place has more than 100 ships which sank in the ocean. Among the 100, only 15 of them are open to travelers making them the perfect spots for scuba diving. The wrecks are abundant with coral reefs and marine life which makes it a delightful experience for the divers. The place accommodates both amateurs and established divers. You can reach the dive spots by boats and choose them according to the depths ranging from 12 to 58 meters.

Further Read: Ring In The New Year In Brazil & Start Your 2022 With A Relaxing Vacation

The crystal clear warm waters with the beautiful sea creatures floating around you, history at its best with the shipwrecks or some mysterious moments inside the underwater caves, scuba diving in Brazil has something for everyone. Get in touch with TravelTriangle today to book your trip and explore more about the delights hiding under the water with an added dose of adrenaline.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving In Brazil

Is Brazil a good place for diving?

Brazil has been blessed with the most exotic coastline, crystal clear waters, scenic views and rich marine life making one of the most loved holiday destinations for all especially the scuba divers who find a rich heaven of marine world and coral reefs to explore.

What to do in the Brazil Islands?

Here are the top things to do in Brazil that you just can’t afford to miss on your tropical vacation:
1. Visit the by Christ the Redeemer
2. Stare in wonder at the majestic Iguazu Falls
3. Get a bird’s eye view of Rio from Sugarloaf Mountain
4. Soak in the breathtaking beauty of Porto de Galinhas
5. Explore the wild and exotic Amazon rainforests

Is scuba diving in Brazil safe for first-timers?

Yes. You can find scuba diving in Brazil to be absolutely safe for all even for first-timers and kids.

Is certification necessary for scuba diving in Brazil?

Yes. In order to take up any diving activities in Brazil, you would be required to produce a valid PADI certificate.

Which are the best diving spots in Brazil?

The best spots in Brazil for scuba diving are:
1. Arraial do Cabo
2. Bonito
3. Arvoredo
4. Abrolhos
5. Fernando de Noronha

Which is the most ideal time to visit Brazil?

The months between December to March and June to September is the most ideal time to visit Brazil to enjoy the pleasant weather and explore the outdoor locations and water sports activities.

How much does diving cost in Brazil?

For one dive in the Brazilian waters, you could have to pay anywhere between INR 15,000 to INR 20,000.

How do you relax while scuba diving?

When underwater, don’t fight the waters. Breath gently and regularly and embrace changes.