Buzios Brazil

Dive Safety Essentials

• Check swell and wind direction daily. If an ocean-facing entry looks rough, switch to a sheltered bay.
• Use an SMB on boat dives and any drift-style ascent. Brief your deployment method with the guide.
• Stay conservative on gas and no-decompression limits. Cold water and surge increase consumption.
• Keep your ascent and safety stop tight to the group. Do not drift into boat lanes.
• For freediving and snorkeling, always use a buddy system and a highly visible float.

Common Local Hazards

• Thermoclines: deeper water can feel much colder than the surface, especially Jun to Sep.
• Surge on rock: protect hands and knees, and avoid narrow swim-throughs if swell is running.
• Fishing line: keep distance from lines and markers, and carry a line cutter (scuba).

Operator Choice

Choose operators that brief site rules, protected-area protocols, and emergency procedures clearly, especially if you are doing an Arraial do Cabo RESEX day trip.

Medical Planning

• Carry dive accident insurance (DAN or equivalent) and keep policy details accessible offline.
• For serious emergencies in Brazil, the public ambulance number is 192 (SAMU). Police is 190 and fire/rescue is 193.
• For suspected DCS: stop diving, give 100% oxygen if available, keep the diver warm and hydrated (if conscious), and contact DAN for medical coordination and chamber referral guidance.
• Bring your own essentials: any prescription meds, a small first-aid kit, seasickness medication for boat days, and hydration salts.

For non-emergency issues, private clinics can be faster than public services, especially during busy holiday weeks.

Conservation and Rules

• Do not touch, feed, or chase wildlife. Keep distance and let animals set the interaction.
• Do not collect shells, coral fragments, or "souvenirs". Take photos, leave nature in place.
• Practice neutral buoyancy over rock and sand. Sediment clouds can drop visibility fast.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and reduce single-use plastics on boat days.
• Protected areas: the region includes conservation units such as Parque Estadual da Costa do Sol, and nearby Arraial do Cabo has a federal marine extractive reserve (RESEX) with specific rules for vessel operations and tourism services. Follow operator briefings and any posted restrictions.

If you see anchoring on fragile bottom, speak up. Good operators use moorings or choose sandy patches.