I learned to swim and dive when I was just 7 years old when my parents traveled to the coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil. I remember the first time I put on the diving equipment, anxious and a little nervous, but full of curiosity. The feeling of breathing underwater and exploring a new world was indescribable. However, scuba diving Brazil is just amazing.
I can already tell you, our reader, that the way I learned to swim was not at all orthodox: I ventured out to challenge the waves and the depth of the sea. And there I was, unable to reach the beach area with my feet, and then, like magic, I learned to swim. I don’t recommend anyone learn this way, but this is how I learned. Always look for a swimming instructor, don’t be an inconsequential child like I was.
One of my most memorable memories was a swim at a local public beaches, where I spotted a school of colorful fish and a small sea turtle. The beauty and tranquillity of that underwater environment fascinated me and sparked a lifelong love of diving. Each new adventure underwater offers me the chance to discover and admire marine life, strengthening my respect and appreciation for nature.
Brazil has endless things to do and if you are looking at traveling all around Brazil, we also have our complete Brazil travel guide, which you can read later.
Scuba diving in Brazil is trending not just for its clear waters but also for its marine conservation initiatives. From eco-certified operators in Fernando de Noronha to coral restoration projects along the coast, itโs diving with a purpose.
Although Brazil’s beauties are always exalted in foreign media, I think it’s necessary to emphasize: that Brazil has the most beautiful and challenging places in the world to practice diving. Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver who has been to the Mariana Trench, you will find incomparable beauty and challenges in Brazil.
Embark on this unique adventure with us at the 4 Best Scuba Diving Sites in Brazil for 2024.
Scuba Diving Brazil: Fernando de Noronha
Around 75% of visitors to Fernando de Noronha practice some form of scuba diving. For a safe experience, it’s always good to take a few precautions: check your equipment, don’t dive alone, and get to know the archipelago’s current system, which moves in the northeast-southwest direction.
What makes Fernando de Noronha one of the best places in the world to dive is not just the underwater beauty, the abundance of marine life, or the diversity of fauna. What really makes the archipelago stand out is how easy it is to explore the underwater world, whether in waist-deep waters or dives up to 100 meters deep dive. It’s incredible to spot lobsters, octopuses, schools of fish, reef sharks, and sea turtles with such ease.
In Fernando de Noronha marine park, you can dive all year round, both freediving and scuba diving. And if you don’t bring your own equipment, there are several rental options on the island, from masks to regulators.
Scuba Diving Brazil: Bonito
The city of Bonito, in Mato Grosso do Sul, is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited. And one of the main activities in this spectacular land involves water. By the way, Bonito’s waters are among the 10 clearest in the world. So, I’ve decided to mention 3 places where you can practice diving in this unique place:
Diving in the Anhumas Abyss
The Anhumas Abyss is famous for its vertical fissure more than 70 meters deep, which leads to a crystal-clear lake. This dive is one of the most incredible experiences in Bonito and one of the few caves in the world where non-certified divers can dive. Participants receive full training in diving techniques, equipment, and safety measures. The adventure begins with a 72-meter abseil to the bottom of the cave, where the underground lake has an average temperature of 18ยฐC. During the dive, you can see underwater rock formations and a variety of fish, including the rattlesnake, which is native to the region. The visibility of the water is impressive, with an average of 40 meters, providing an incredible experience. The activity lasts around 4 hours and is recommended for people in good physical condition, without fear of heights or claustrophobia.
Diving in the Mimoso Cave
The Mimoso Cave is one of Bonito’s most popular places, known for its unique and fantastic rock formation and natural beauty. The dive takes place in an underground lake inside the cave, where you can see limestone formations and stalactites at a depth of around 16 meters. Visibility is excellent and the water temperature is constant at around 23ยฐC all year round. To dive in the Gruta do Mimoso, you must have advanced divers certification and at least 20 logged dives. During the dive, you can see various species of fish and other aquatic creatures, as well as impressive rock formations. The tour lasts around 50 minutes and is accompanied by experienced guides.
Diving in the Mysterious Lagoon
Diving in the Mysterious Lagoon is a unique experience for diving enthusiasts. With a circular opening on the surface, the lagoon has extremely transparent waters, allowing better visibility of up to 40 meters. The dive is divided into two stages: first, a surface dive as an introduction, followed by the dive itself, which lasts around 40 minutes. During the dive, you can see the local flora and fauna, as well as the impressive underwater rock walls and formations. To dive in the Mysterious Lagoon, you need to be a certified diver. Activities are carefully controlled to ensure the safety and preservation of the site. Each of these adventures in Bonito offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s underwater beauty, providing unforgettable memories.
Scuba Diving Brazil: Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is one of the best dive locations in Brazil, and it’s not hard to see why!
- The Bay of Angra dos Reis has 365 islands, most of which are perfect for diving.
- Ilha Grande has one of the highest concentrations of shipwrecks in the world.
- The waters are crystal clear and have a pleasant temperature.
- Many of the dive sites have calm sea life.
- The scenery is paradisiacal.
- There are options for all types of divers, from beginners to professionals.
And, here again, I’ve put together a short list of places to go scuba diving in Ilha Grande. Check out the 5 best places to practice this incredible water sports. In addition, if you want to learn more about this area, here is a detailed wiki.
Jorge Grego Island
A diver’s paradise.A small island in the open sea facing Lopes Mendes beach. Whether you’re just snorkeling or diving deeper with a cylinder, the underwater landscape is enchanting with vibrant coral reefs, different fish, turtles, octopuses, squid, seahorses, and much more.
For deep dives, care, and advanced experience are required, as the oceanic islands is in the open sea. The dolphins are a special attraction, as they often accompany the boats.
Ponta da Parnaioca (Parnaioca wreck)
An excellent diving spot for beginners and professionals. For beginners, it’s possible to reach a depth of 15 meters in a coastal dive full of attractions. It’s a coastal waters dive with very rich marine species life.
The main regions attraction of diving at Ponta da Parnaioca is the wreck of a steam freighter (not yet identified) which has formed a beautiful artificial reef.
Meros Island
This is a dive site with many attractions, very varied marine life, and sometimes rough seas.
The site also has an airplane wreck and a submerged statue of Christ, much sought after by divers looking for good underwater photos. Visibility ranges from 10 to 15 meters and depths from 6 to 18 meters.
Acaiรก Cave
This is a difficult dive, recommended only for the most experienced divers. The entrance is approximately 6 meters deep and you need to control your buoyancy to avoid hitting the bottom or the ceiling of the cave with the cylinder.
The good news is that you can also enter the Gruta do Acaiรก by land and contemplate a true show of nature’s beauty. The sea water enters the cave through a crack, forming a stone beach. When the sunlight hits the water, it makes the blue of the sea fluoresce, creating an incredible color.
By land, you have to climb down a ladder attached to the rock, into a narrow passage between the stones. At the bottom, you have to walk for about 10m in a crouch (sometimes crawling) until you reach the water. Visibility ranges from 6 to 11 meters and depth from 0 to 14 meters.
Red Beach (California shipwreck)
A beach with calm, crystal-clear waters. Near Praia Vermelha is the famous wreck of the ship California, which happened in 1866 due to a fire. It is a popular spot for divers. The ship has already been dismantled, but it is possible to see some parts of it amidst the diverse marine life in the area. Visibility ranges from 4m to 8m and depths from 5 to 15 meters.
Scuba Diving Brazil: Arraial do Cabo
In the state of Rio de Janeiro, in the charming town of Arraial do Cabo (not Cabo Frio), you’ll discover Brazil’s diving capital. One of the places that most attracts tourists and divers from Brazil and around the world. The waters are clear, with abundant marine life, no changes in water temperature, and good dive conditions for all year round.
Below I’ll list 5 dive sites that you can find in this blessed city.
Ilha dos Porcos
Located in front of Praia dos Anjos, it is ideal for beginner divers due to its shallow depth and calm waters. The marine life is not as diverse as in other parts of Arraial do Cabo, but it is a great place to gain experience.
Northside: Characterized by gorgonians and occasional turtles, with little current. Depth: 12 to 28m.
Inside: Similar to the north side, but with a little more current. Depth: 9 to 20m.
Enseada das Paredes
Known for its large crevices and rich marine life, it is common to find large fish. This spot requires attention to wind, strong currents, and great depths. Depth: 20 to 40m.
Saco do Cherne
Just 15 minutes from Praia dos Anjos, this cove near Prainha is ideal for basic divers. With its shallow depth, lots of marine life, and excellent visibility, it’s a great spot for underwater photographers. Depth: 9 to 16m.
Scuba Diving Brazil: Wrap Up
Diving is a unique and exciting experience that offers the opportunity to explore an underwater world full of life and beauty. In Brazil, this activity becomes even more special thanks to the incredible diversity of dive sites, from crystal-clear, calm waters to more challenging locations steeped in history. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Brazil has something to offer: colorful reefs, fascinating shipwrecks, mysterious caves, and exuberant marine life.
Exploring the depths of the sea in places like Ilha Grande, Bonito, Fernando de Noronha, and Arraial do Cabo offers an incomparable sense of adventure and discovery. The feeling of tranquillity as you float in clear waters, the thrill of encountering exotic marine creatures, and the wonder of seeing stunning underwater landscapes make diving an unmissable activity.
In Brazil, every dive is a new adventure, an opportunity to see something different and connect with nature profoundly and memorably. So no matter what your level of diver, diving in Brazil is a fun, enriching, and unforgettable experience. Prepare your equipment, choose your dive destinations, and dive into this incredible underwater journey!
