Activities · Destination Guide
Subtropical island life with Arvoredo reef dives, Campeche snorkeling, and Atlantic Forest trails
Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 20 sources
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Florianopolis is one of southern Brazil's most practical bases for boat diving, with regular runs to the Arvoredo area when seas allow. Because the Arvoredo archipelago is a strict biological reserve, operators focus recreational dives on the southern tip of Ilha do Arvoredo outside the reserve boundary. You get rocky-reef structure, schools of fish, and a strong chance of seeing sea turtles. Local operators such as Agua Viva Mergulho and Sea Divers also run island alternatives like Ilha do Xavier when offshore conditions do not cooperate.
The iconic Arvoredoarea dive zone near the island's southern tip, with granite boulders, ledges, schooling fish, and frequent turtle encounters.
A popular rockyreef circuit of channels and ledges around the Arvoredo south area, good for practicing buoyancy while scanning cracks for morays and crustaceans.
A sheltered indentation often chosen when conditions are calm, known locally for high odds of sea turtle sightings and relaxed, photofriendly reef time in {{ 8 | distance:m }} to {{ 18 | distance:m }}.
A nearshore island dive used for training and relaxed fun dives.
A commonly used Arvoredoarea site in the south zone, offering relaxed reef time over boulders and ledges.
Rock pinnacles and boulder structure that can hold schooling fish when conditions are calm.
Rocky overhangs and swimthrough style features in the Arvoredo south area.
Operator Checklist
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