Where to dive in Brazil

Naufrágio Velasquez

Ilhabela, São Paulo

Transatlantic ship that sank on 16/10/1908 after striking the Bustamante rocks, near Ponta da Sela, in dense fog. Wreckage lies between 9 and 22 m, 50 m from shore - one of the most accessible wrecks in Ilhabela.

★ 5.0 · 1 reviews

Prainha do Sérgio

Ilhabela, São Paulo

Small cove at the southern end of Portinho bay in Ilhabela, inside the same sheltered arc as the classic baptism shore site. Calm sand entry leading to a shallow rocky shoreline (up to ~8m), commonly used for check-out dives, snorkeling and occasi...

★ 5.0 · 1 reviews

Ilha das Cabras

Ilhabela, São Paulo

Marine Ecological Sanctuary in Ilhabela, approximately 100m from the coast in front of Praia das Pedras Miudas. Rocky shoreline with shallow zones (6 - 10m) ideal for introductory dives and courses, and deeper areas to the south with canyons and s...

★ 4.5 · 2 reviews

Alfama de Lisboa

Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Pernambuco

Portuguese galleon sunk in 1690 off Praia de Candeias. One of the oldest historical wrecks in Brazil, with submerged archaeological remains. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Alvarenga

Recife, Pernambuco

Cargo barge sunk off the coast of Recife, part of Pernambuco's Artificial Wrecks Park. The structure is colonized by corals and serves as shelter for moray eels and groupers. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Aquário Natural

Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul

Crystal-clear spring in Bonito/MS. Snorkeling with visibility of 20+ meters among dourados, piraputangas and aquatic plants. Ideal for beginners.

Areeiro San Martín

Recife, Pernambuco

Areeiro (sand transport vessel) San Martin sunk off the coast of Recife, part of the artificial wreck complex. It harbors schools of jacks and rays. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Aviao Bandeirantes

Fortaleza, Ceará

Wreck of a Bandeirantes aircraft from the FAB that crashed in 1985 18 miles off the port of Mucuripe, within the Marine Park. Part of the structure remained submerged as an artificial reef; today largely disappeared. Approximate coordinates - conf...

Barrinha

Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte

Also spelled Barreirinha, a point offshore from Pirangi do Sul. Sandstone formation with schools of fish, moray eels, and sea turtles. Light dive, suitable for first tank dives. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Batelão de Cima

Recife, Pernambuco

Batelao (cargo barge) sunk in shallow waters off the coast of Recife. Shallow depth, ideal for check-dives and advanced diver training. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Batente das Agulhas

Natal, Rio Grande do Norte

Located 14 miles from Natal, this site features caves, arches, and sandstone columns (agulhas) covered with tube sponges. Groupers, barracudas, and occasionally hammerhead sharks appear in the area. Considered one of the best dive sites in Brazil....

Boca da Baleia

Santos, São Paulo

A spectacular cleft on the eastern tip of Laje de Santos that penetrates approximately 50 m into the rock, reaching 18 m depth. It shelters fish schools, sea turtles, and giant groupers, but is only safe to dive in ideal sea conditions.

Boca da Barra

Ipojuca, Pernambuco

Reef shelf located 200m from Porto de Galinhas beach. Allows for daytime and nighttime diving, with lobsters, scorpionfish, octopuses, flatfish and moray eels. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Bolo

Ipojuca, Pernambuco

Rounded reef formation shaped like a cake off the coast of Porto de Galinhas. Frequented by rays, moray eels, groupers, and large snappers. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Bonito Aventura

Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul

A floating attraction in Bonito/MS featuring crystal-clear waters and freshwater aquatic fauna.

Buraco Das Cabras

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Eroded volcanic rock, drift dive

Buraco Do Inferno

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Cave with air pocket in the ceiling

Cabeco Submarino

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Turtles, Baia do Sueste.

Cabeco da Sapata

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Wall, groupers, currents

Cabeco das Cortas

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Deep underwater mountain

Cabeco de Caieiras

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Underwater mountain with coral formations.

Cabritos

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Dive site in Fernando de Noronha, a Natural Heritage of Humanity. Crystal-clear waters, exceptional biodiversity of the archipelago.

Cagarras Fundas

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Vertical wall, sponges.

Cagarras Rasas

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Sheer walls with sponges. Suitable for beginners.

Calhau de São Pedro

Bombinhas, Santa Catarina

Island within the Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve with approximate depth of 16 to 20 meters. Exposed site with strong currents, rich fauna and large schools of fish; diving permitted only with authorization from ICMBio.

Calhaus Face Norte

Santos, São Paulo

The north-facing side of the Calhaus rock formation, oriented toward Laje de Santos approximately 3 km to the southeast of the main island. A slightly irregular wall descending from 8 to 25 m; the most sheltered face of the Calhaus complex.

Calhaus Face Sul

Santos, São Paulo

The south face of the Calhaus formation in Laje de Santos Marine Park, fully exposed to the open ocean with constant currents. It descends to 40 m and concentrates migratory pelagic species not seen in the sheltered areas of the park.

Calhaus Tunel

Santos, São Paulo

A U-shaped tunnel cutting through the Calhaus rock at Laje de Santos, with a central emergent arch and large boulders on the bottom at 18 m. Requires precise buoyancy control and ideal sea conditions.

Caverna da Sapata

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Cave 15m x 30m, rays and grouper.

Caverna do Coelho

Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro

Underwater cave discovered by diver Antonio Sergio, named in honor of his father. Located between Gruta Azul and Fenda da Camarinha, with a tunnel reaching up to 120m in length and 35m in depth. Requires cavern/overhead certification.

Chata de Noronha

Recife, Pernambuco

Transport barge sunk in 1973 due to bad weather approximately 12 miles from Recife port. Technical diving in open water, frequented by rays and pelagic schools. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Copérnico

Recife, Pernambuco

Copernico shipwreck located off the coast of Recife, situated in the shipwreck corridor at approximately 26-30m depth. Fragmented hull with great associated biodiversity. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Cordilheiras

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Impressive underwater canyon

Corveta Camaquã V17

Recife, Pernambuco

Brazilian Navy corvette sunk as an artificial reef off the coast of Recife. Not to be confused with Corveta V17 Ipiranga in Noronha; this one is located in the wreck zone of Recife at approximately 32m. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local...

Corveta V17 Ipiranga

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Complete wreck, 56m, 1983

Draga Massangana

Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco

Mining dredge that sank in 1981 near the mouth of Rio Massangana, in Suape. Intact hull at 29-32m, now an artificial reef hosting schools of sergeant majors, moray eels, and cardinalfish. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Enseada Do Cardeiro

Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro

Cove on Ilha do Cabo Frio featuring typical rocky shore fauna, with its name referring to resident fish schools. Maximum depth of 18 meters.

Enseada das Paredes

Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro

Seaward side of Ilha do Cabo Frio, featuring large rock walls, crevices, and depths ranging from 20 to 45 meters. Large pelagics passing through are commonly sighted; strong currents require advanced certification.

Escadinha

Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro

Cove at the southernmost point of Ilha do Cabo Frio, featuring a stepped rocky formation that gives the site its name. Maximum depth of 18m, home to schools of fish and occasional sea turtles.

Estaleiro

Bombinhas, Santa Catarina

Shipyard Refuge at the tip of Bombinhas, accessible by trail or boat from Porto Belo. Average depth of 3 to 8 meters, crystal-clear waters protected from the wind, excellent for certification dives and marine life observation.

Fenda da Camarinha

Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro

Cave with two entrances: one to the south at 12m and another to the east at 15m. The tunnel reaches a maximum depth of 35m. Overhead environment dive, requires cavern or cave certification.

Galeão Sacramento

Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro

Historic site attributed to a 17th-century Spanish galleon in the vicinity of Ilha do Cabo Frio. Note: the Portuguese galleon Santissimo Sacramento (1668) wrecked in Bahia; this point is registered locally as a distinct archaeological site.

Galeão de Serrambi

Ipojuca, Pernambuco

Old galleon (circa 1700) sunk 18 miles off the coast of Serrambi. Visible wooden keel, hull fragments, and anchors; historical technical dive. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Gruta Azul

Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro

Underwater cave on Ilha do Cabo Frio with entrance at 10m and characteristic blue light. Should only be dived on calm sea days - the internal water flow is strong and there have been fatal accidents. Requires certification and experience.

Gruta do Acaia

Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro

Rare underwater cave on Ilha Grande featuring a fluorescent blue-turquoise water phenomenon. Access is through a crevice in the rocky outcrop at approximately 8m depth, leading to an underground chamber. Recommended only for experienced divers wit...

Guararapes

Olinda, Pernambuco

Ship sunk in 1956 at Baixio de Itabaianos, one mile off the coast of Olinda. Partially preserved structure on shallow bottom, with high concentration of reef fish. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Ilha Anchieta

Ubatuba, São Paulo

Ilha Anchieta State Park in Ubatuba/SP. Dive sites featuring rocky reefs and preserved biodiversity.

Ilha Branca

Armação dos Búzios, Rio de Janeiro

Island in Buzios famous for diving with sea turtles. Depths of 8 to 25m, visibility of 5 to 12m, underwater rock formations. Ideal for drift dives.

Ilha Comprida

Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro

Elongated island in the Freguesia de Santana archipelago, north of Ilha Grande. Forms a natural lagoon with the islands Macacos and Redonda, a sanctuary of clear waters and abundant marine fauna. Do not confuse with Ilha Comprida in Arraial do Cab...

Ilha Comprida (Cagarras)

Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro

Ilha Comprida in the Monumento Natural das Cagarras. Submarine rocky reefs and biodiversity of Rio's coastline.

Ilha Do Meio

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Three easy caverns, ideal for beginners.

Ilha Duas Irmas

Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro

Two small rocky islets near the north coast of Ilha Grande, with Caribbean-toned waters. Visibility up to 7m depth to the naked eye, abundant marine life around the rocky outcrops. Frequently confused with the Botinas. Approximate coordinates - co...

Ilha Escalvada

Guarapari, Espírito Santo

Ilha Escalvada offshore from Guarapari/ES. Rocky outcrops, schools of fish and occasional sea turtle encounters.

Ilha Feia

Armação dos Búzios, Rio de Janeiro

Rocky island in Buzios, approximately 30 minutes by boat. Drift dive around the island, featuring sun corals, large sea turtles, and rays. The name comes from a lightning strike that hit part of the island; despite its name, it is a marine life sa...

Ilha Grande

Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro

Ilha Grande in Angra dos Reis. Multiple sheltered spots with biodiversity, calm waters and good visibility. A classic for courses.

Ilha Rapada

Ubatuba, São Paulo

Island in the Arquipelago das Couves, north of Ubatuba, between Ponta da Cruz and Ponta da Jamanta in open sea. Multiple trails (Morcego, Pigmeu, Pedra da Cachorra) with depths of 3-25 m, large schools of fish and rocky labyrinths.

Ilha Rasa

Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro

Ilha Rasa in the Monumento Natural das Ilhas Cagarras, offshore from Ipanema. Rocky shores with Rio de Janeiro biodiversity, schools of fish and sea turtles.

Ilha Redonda

Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro

Ilha Redonda in the Cagarras archipelago, RJ. Offshore rocky formation with schools of fish, octopuses and sea turtles - a classic Rio dive site.

Ilha Vitória

Ubatuba, São Paulo

Island in the archipelago off Ubatuba with multiple dive sites (Saco da Professora, Saco do Paia, Saco do Funil, Canal dos Pescadores, Morro Alto). Depths 5-52 m, visibility up to 25 m, common sightings of dolphins and whales during the boat ride.

Ilha da Viuvinha

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Fire coral, calm waters

Ilha das Couves

Ubatuba, São Paulo

Paradise island in the north of Ubatuba with emerald-green waters. Costao de Fora 5-15 m, West Face of the Islet 12-23 m. Shallow depth and good visibility make it one of the best dive sites for beginners in the region.

Ilha de Búzios

Ilhabela, São Paulo

Buzios Island in Ilhabela/SP. Rocky shores and biodiversity of the Sao Sebastiao Channel.

Ilha de Jorge Grego

Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro

Uninhabited islet southeast of Ilha Grande, in open ocean, facing Lopes Mendes and Dois Rios. Famous fissure 4m wide and 15m deep traversing the island. Rich in corals, sea turtles, octopuses, squid, seahorses, and dolphins. External side with cav...

Ilha do Cabo Frio

Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro

Generic dive site referring to Ilha do Cabo Frio, the main diving island of Arraial, part of the Biological Reserve. It concentrates more than twenty dive points between the inner sea and outer sea.

Ilha do Frade

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Marine turtles, corals

Ilha do Francês

Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro

Small island off Praia Grande, home to the remains of the wreck of the brig Dona Paula (1827), including cannons. Moderate depth and good visibility, suitable for beginner and intermediate divers.

Ilha dos Cocos

Paraty, Rio de Janeiro

Small island surrounded by crystal-clear waters approximately 4km from the center of Paraty, in front of Praia do Jabaquara. One of the clearest waters in the region, ideal for recreational diving and snorkeling, with large schools of small fish. ...

Ilha dos Currais

Pontal do Paraná, Paraná

Archipelago of the Parque Nacional Marinho das Ilhas dos Currais, approximately 11 km offshore from Pontal do Parana. Three small rocky islands with corals, moray eels, sea turtles and schools of fish; landing is prohibited and diving is only perm...

Lagoinha

Bombinhas, Santa Catarina

A reference dive site in Bombinhas, featuring a natural pool and depths of up to 25 meters. Clear waters and pleasant temperature, ideal for both beginners and experienced divers, with rich marine life of small fish.

Laje Dois Irmãos

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Largest coral formation in Latin America

Laje de Santos

Santos, São Paulo

Reserva Estadual Marinha da Laje de Santos, the main offshore dive in Sao Paulo. A granite outcrop protected since 1993, located 40 km from the coast, featuring rocky walls and pinnacles ranging from 6 to 35 meters. Visibility reaches up to 30 met...

Laje do Matar

Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro

Also known as Laje da Matariz, near Bananal beach. Scattered wreckage of a helicopter that crashed in 1998, which resulted in the death of businessman Eduardo Tapajos. Intense marine life around the remains, white sand bottom down to 15m. Approxim...

Mina da Passagem

Mariana, Minas Gerais

The world's largest gold mine open to visitors, active from 1719 to 1954 in Mariana, Minas Gerais, with approximately 30 km of tunnels. After decommissioning, abandoned galleries flooded with groundwater, forming a crystal-clear underground minera...

Minduano

Recife, Pernambuco

Tug Minduano sunk off the coast of Recife, part of the artificial wreck park. The hull stands upright with penetrable interior for divers with specific training. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Morro de Fora

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Natural nursery, juvenile species

Naufragio Bezerra de Menezes

Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro

Wreck from 1891 on Laje Alagada (formerly Laje do Colombo), near the exit of Angra port. A steam cargo ship measuring 55.8m x 7m, owned by Dr. Bezerra de Menezes, collided with the reef while carrying wood and beer. Dismantled wreckage scattered b...

Naufragio Moreia - Laje de Santos

Santos, São Paulo

An old iron fishing vessel from the Caneco shipyard, sunk in 1992 as the first artificial reef in Brazil, at the eastern tip of Laje de Santos at 22 m depth. Now in advanced deterioration; penetration into the holds is prohibited by the park.

Naufrágio Aymoré

Ilhabela, São Paulo

British cargo ship 60.7 m long built in 1883, sunk on 07/27/1920 at Ponta do Ribeirao, near Praia do Curral. Boiler, stern, shaft, propeller, and rudder are visible. Calm waters between 5 and 9 m, ideal for certification dives.

Naufrágio Buenos Ayres

Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro

Historic wreck near Ilha Rasa in the Cagarras. Wreck with marine life colonizing the structure.

Naufrágio Crest

Ilhabela, São Paulo

English cargo ship that sank on 12/12/1882 southwest of Borrifos, en route from Santos to New York with coffee. Wreck debris between 9 and 17 m, 30 m from shore, average visibility. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Naufrágio Dart

Ilhabela, São Paulo

English cargo ship (1882) that departed from Santos on 09/11/1884 heading to NY with coffee and struck the rocks in front of Morro do Simao, Ponta da Sepituba. Known as the 'ship of crockery'. Wreck debris scattered between 5 and 17 m. Approximate...

Naufrágio Do Porto

Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Greek ship from the 1920s. Shallow wreck suitable for beginners.

Naufrágio France

Ilhabela, São Paulo

Mixed packet ship that sank in 1906 during a storm. Wreck debris between 40 and 60 m, 200 m offshore, poor visibility - technical diving only. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Naufrágio Gonçalo Coelho

Ipojuca, Pernambuco

The Goncalo Coelho ship was sunk in 1999 as an artificial reef off Praia de Serrambi. It honors a navigator from Americo Vespucio's fleet; today it hosts a large diversity of reef fish. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Naufrágio Guarani

Ilhabela, São Paulo

Navy tugboat with 51 men on board that collided with the cargo ship Borborema in 1913 near Farol da Ponta do Boi in dense fog. It rests at 40 m depth, 80 m from shore - advanced dive. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Naufrágio Harlingen

Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro

English cargo ship Harlingen (113m, 3,470t) sank in 1906 while coming from Buenos Aires. Bow at 18m with Hawkins anchor still in the hawsepipe; stern around 25m. Located in Furnas das Mulheres, near Pontal do Atalaia.

Naufrágio Hathor

Ilhabela, São Paulo

English cargo ship 104 m long with steel hull and steam propulsion, sank on 24/03/1909 due to bad weather. Wreck debris scattered between 8 and 19 m depth, approximately 40 m from the coast. Coordinates are approximate - confirm with local operator.

Naufrágio Príncipe das Astúrias

Ilhabela, São Paulo

The 'Brazilian Titanic' - a Spanish ocean liner that collided with the submerged reef at Ponta da Pirabura on 03/05/1916 at 4:15 AM, sinking in 5 minutes with hundreds of victims. Wreckage between 17 and 50 m, strong currents, visibility ~1.5 m - ...

Naufrágio Siegmund (Therezina)

Ilhabela, São Paulo

German-origin steamship (Siegmund), confiscated by Brazil and renamed Therezina, ran aground on 03/02/1919 at Ponta do Boi while carrying coffee and mail pouches. Now dismantled, it rests between 8 and 17 m. Approximate coordinates - confirm with ...

Naufrágio Teixeirinha

Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro

Steamship Teixeirinha sunk in 1906 at Ponta da Jararaca. Dismantled wreck scattered between 18 and 38m. Requires Advanced certification; attention to current and depth.

Naufrágio Therezina

Ilhabela, São Paulo

National cargo ship (former German Siegmund) that sank on 03/02/1919 after running aground on the rocks of the southern plateau at Ponta do Boi. Wreck debris between 8 and 17 m at approximately 100 m from shore, accessible to all levels. Approxima...

Naufrágio Thetis

Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro

English frigate HMS Thetis (46 guns, 300 crew) wrecked on December 5, 1830 against Focinho do Cabo. Today three iron cannons remain at 25m depth, along with ammunition and chains in Saco dos Ingleses, beside Gruta Azul.

Naufrágio Urucânia

Ilhabela, São Paulo

Fishing vessel that sank on April 23, 1961 at Costao do Juquinha, near Borrifos, after striking rocks during a storm. It rests between 9 and 12 m at 20 m from shore, excellent for beginners. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Naufrágio Washburne

Ilhabela, São Paulo

American Liberty Ship Elihu B. Washburne (7,000 t) torpedoed by German U-boat U-513 in 1943 near Ponta do Boi, on the Lourenco Marques - Rio route. Rediscovered in 1997. Technical diving only. Approximate coordinates - confirm with local operator.

Naufrágio do Moreia

Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro

Wreck of the fishing vessel Mizoneide, sunk in 2007 in front of the Pelicano mooring in Praia dos Anjos cove. Informally known as Naufragio do Moreia due to the large resident green moray eel. Shallow and ideal for certification dives.

Parcel Novo - Laje de Santos

Santos, São Paulo

A more recently discovered formation aligned with the Calhaus to the west, within Laje de Santos Marine Park. Starting at 26 m and dropping beyond 40 m with no shelter, it requires a Deep Diver rating and excellent navigation skills.

Parcel Sul - Laje de Santos

Santos, São Paulo

An isolated shoal approximately 800 m south of Laje de Santos, fully exposed to open-ocean swell. Submerged pinnacles descending to 36 m concentrate fish schools, with difficulty varying drastically depending on daily conditions.

Parcel das Ancoras

Santos, São Paulo

An isolated rocky formation west of Laje de Santos, toward the mainland, with dozens of historic anchors encrusted between the rocks (fishermen used to anchor here believing the bottom was sandy). Large groupers use the anchors as shelter, and pel...