SCUBA DIVING IN BRAZIL: Dive the Tropical Coast. Divers’ Reviews

CLIMATE

You can expect tropical climate and mainly two marked seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy lasts from December to March in the central zone, October through March in the southern regions of the Amazon. The dry season lasts from May to September, however Brazil has different climate zones; weather changes as you move north to south and east to west.

PERNAMBUCO, FERNANDO DE NORONHA MARINE PARK

Pernambuco is a state located in north-east Brazil and hosts about 116 miles of beach coast. Fernando de Noronha, 545 miles west of Recife, is a volcanic archipelago of 21 islands and islets and a very famous dive destination in Brazil. A live aboard is recommended for this place. It is a protected marine park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since it´s in open water, you will find big pelagic. There are 15 kinds of coral and 230 fish species in these waters, including the endemic and endangered Noronha wrasse.

Noronha also serves as a breeding ground for spinner dolphins, which sometimes swim around in superpods of up to 600!

Naufragio do Porto has an excellent dive spot at Noronha and good for night dives. Ilha do Meio, at the end of Rata´s Channel, has two very interesting caves and you will spot reef sharks and big fish. The Ressureta dive site is another of the great sites here and one of the best drift dives in Brazil.

Pedras Secas, on the north end of Noronha, has small cavers and passages. Fish are not scared of divers; expect nurse sharks and green sea turtles. For beginner divers, it is recommended to visit from July to December, the waters are calmer then, but year-round diving is possible in this marine park.

Fernando de Noronha has several overview points to spot the mating spinner dolphins. Hiking and bird watching are also great activities here. If possible carry the snorkel gear while you go hiking, many spots to practice snorkeling as you go. The boat rides to different islands include beach time and it´s a great opportunity to watch the spinner dolphins doing acrobatics close to your boat.

RIO DE JANEIRO: ANGRA DOS REIS AND ARRAIAL DO CABO

Rio is one of the busiest more populated cities of South America, and Brazil’s second largest city. Rio itself does not have recommended dive sites, but several dive operators can bring you to Angra dos Reis and Arraial do Cabo on day trips if you want to base yourself in Rio.

Angra dos Reis, 151 km west of Rio, has a beautiful coastline with over 300 islands, thick forests, waterfalls, lakes and small fishing villages. Over 12 different dive sites ranging from good to excellent can be found and amazing beaches can be expected. Parcel Do Coronel has short caves and small passages. The wreck of Pinguino, a cargo vessel sunk in the 60’s, is one of the main attractions, look for seahorses.

Arraial Do Cabo is a small town about 170 km east of Rio. It is the best place in south Brazil for diving and has exceptional beaches. All dive sites are beginner-friendly and its great visibility makes this area a really good destination. Sites like Buraco do Mero and Gutazul are great dive sites, both with opportunity to spot big and small fish, the blue winged sea robin among them.

SANTA CATARINA, ARVOREDO ISLAND BIOLOGICAL RESERVE

Bombinhas and Florianopolis are the points of access to the region’s best dive sites. Arvoredo Island, a biological reserve created in 1990, is where you’ll find the best dive spots. Since it is a biological reserve, diving is not permitted at all sites and you will need a permit to dive where it is permitted. Dive centers such as Aquatrek and Patadacobra have permits to dive the island. Southern sting rays, hairy blennies and hawksbill sea turtles are just some of the residents.

Saco do Capim, a cove, has the bottom covered with zoanthids. Also the debris of the Granada wreck, a commercial fishing vessel that sank, can still be seen here, it is another good spot for seahorses. Baía Das Tartarugas is the best site to observe sea turtles. Large schools of bass can be seen here too.

Ponta Do Farol is the deepest dive of Arvoredo Island. If you are comfortable with the currents, enjoy the wall of big fish, along soft coral. Expect Atlantic and common groupers. Galés Island and Desert Island (not in the reserve) have very good diving spots and operators do daily trips. Right whales visit the coast of Santa Catarina between July and November.

COUNTRIES IN SOUTH AMERICA
Argentina / Brazil / Ecuador & Galapagos Islands

DIVE OPERATORS LISTED IN BRAZIL
Apecatu Expidicoes /  Dive Bahia / Let’s Dive / Noronha Divers