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Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
Logistics · Destination Guide
Brazilian Atlantic boat diving in a no-take marine park, reachable as a day trip from Sao Paulo
Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 11 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most international arrivals use Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU). Domestic connections and some business routes use Sao Paulo Congonhas (CGH).
Laje de Santos is accessed from the Santos and Sao Vicente area. Plan a road transfer of roughly 80 km to 110 km depending on your airport and traffic.
Access to the park is only by sea. Most visitors join a licensed dive operator day boat, departing early and returning mid to late afternoon depending on sea state. The park is about 40 km offshore, so the trip is weather dependent and cancellations happen. Build flexibility and keep one non-diving day for sightseeing if the crossing is not safe.
Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
GRU • SBGR
110 km • 110 km drive
Main international gateway for Sao Paulo and the easiest choice for most travelers. Connect onward to Santos and the coast by road transfer.
Transport: Private transfer, Rental car, Intercity bus to Santos area
Sao Paulo/Congonhas Airport (CGH)
CGH • SBSP
80 km • 80 km drive
Convenient domestic airport closer to central Sao Paulo. Useful if you are connecting from another Brazilian city before heading to Santos.
Transport: Private transfer, Rental car, Bus plus taxi or rideshare
On the coast, Santos and Guaruja are easy to get around by taxi and app-based rideshare. If you want flexibility for early marina departures, consider staying close to Ponta da Praia (Santos) or near your operators meeting point. In Sao Paulo city, metro and rideshare cover most tourist areas efficiently.
Brazil entry rules depend on nationality and can change. As of Apr 10, 2025, travelers using passports from the United States, Canada, and Australia generally need a visitor visa or eVisa for tourism and business travel. Many other nationalities have visa-free entry for short tourist stays.
Before booking flights, verify requirements with:
Carry a passport that meets Brazils validity rules for your nationality, plus proof of onward travel and accommodation when requested. If you are transiting through another country or arriving from a yellow-fever-risk area, check whether vaccination documentation is required for entry or onward travel.
Brazilian Real (BRL)
Cards are widely accepted in Sao Paulo and Santos for hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. Carry some cash for small vendors, beach kiosks, and tips.
ATMs are common in Sao Paulo and in central Santos. Withdraw during daytime and use machines inside banks or malls when possible.
127V & 220V • 60Hz • C, N
Voltage can vary by building. Use a dual-voltage charger and carry a Brazil Type N adapter if your plugs differ.
Communications
Sao Paulo and Santos have strong 4G and expanding 5G coverage. Offshore at Laje de Santos, coverage can be limited or intermittent. Download maps and store tickets, reservations, and insurance details offline before you leave port.
Language
Portuguese is the default language. Many dive operators can assist in English, but basic Portuguese phrases help with transport, food, and local logistics.
Insurance
Use travel insurance that covers diving and medical evacuation, plus dedicated dive accident coverage (for example, DAN). Keep emergency numbers and your policy details accessible offline during the boat day.
Packing list