Diving in Fernando de Naronha and Atoll das Rocas
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Fernando de Naronha and Atoll das Rocas's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Fernando de Naronha and Atoll das Rocas, ecoregion. This region features 26 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Fernando de Naronha and Atoll das Rocas has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Fernando de Naronha and Atoll das Rocas (1)
Popular Spots in Fernando de Naronha and Atoll das Rocas (26)
Buraco das Cabras
Buraco das Cabras is a drift dive that transitions from the Outside Sea to the Inside Sea, allowing divers to experience the site with minimal physical exertion. The dive reaches an average depth of 15 meters and features rock formations of volcanic origin. Marine life commonly observed includes turtles, rays, surgeonfish, and piranjicas, alongside a variety of corals and sponges, as well as numerous schools of fish foraging in the area.
Buraco do Inferno
Buraco do Inferno is an underwater cave known for its striking rock formations. The site allows for dives reaching depths of up to 15 meters. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including turtles, lobsters, octopuses, rays, and sharks. While the cave offers intriguing passages, long penetrations are not feasible due to its structure. Entry to the site is from the shore.
Cabeco Da Sapata
Cabeco Da Sapata is a multi-level dive site reaching depths of 43 meters (140 feet) on a submarine mountain. The site is suitable for advanced and tech divers due to strong currents and features marine life such as black groupers, hawksbill turtles, and various sharks.
Cabeço da Sapata
Cabeço da Sapata is a dive site suitable for advanced and XR divers, featuring depths that reach up to 42 meters. The site allows for multi-level diving, but divers should be cautious of the currents present in the area. Marine life sightings include whales, groupers, rays, and occasional sharks, as this location serves as a passageway for various pelagic species.
Cabeço das Cordas
Cabeço das Cordas is characterized by its variable currents, making it an engaging dive site. The shallower section reaches depths of 17 meters, which is suitable for beginner divers. For those with more experience, the dive can extend to depths of 33 meters. The currents support a diverse marine ecosystem, with frequent sightings of jack fish, spade fish, and snappers. Additionally, during migration periods, divers may encounter whales and dolphins in the area.
Cabeço Dois Irmaos
Cabeço Dois Irmaos is a dive site that reaches depths of up to 52 meters, situated between two closely positioned bollards. The visibility at this location ranges from 30 to 50 meters, and the current is generally weak, making it more suitable for experienced divers. The dive involves drifting during both descent and ascent. Marine life includes various schools of reef and pelagic fish, along with sightings of rays, turtles, morays, and sharks.
Cabeço Submarino
Cabeço Submarino is a notable underwater formation located in front of Sueste Bay, characterized by a spiral ascent that extends to a maximum depth of 23 meters. This site is rich in marine life, featuring numerous lobsters, barracudas, turtles, and various schooling fish. Occasionally, divers may encounter sharks in this vibrant ecosystem.
Cabritos
Cabritos is characterized by its volcanic formations that provide habitat for various fish species. The site has an average depth of 20 meters and is situated behind Ilha do Meio. Divers can expect to encounter large marine animals, including sharks, rays, and sizable turtles. Additionally, large schools of fish such as jack fish, spade fish, snappers, and barracudas are commonly observed in this area.
Cagarras
Cagarras is a dive site suitable for both novice and experienced divers, featuring a dive that begins in shallow, protected waters. The underwater topography includes walls that descend to depths of 34 meters. Marine life commonly observed here includes lobsters, octopuses, and rays. Additionally, during October, humpback whales can often be spotted during the boat ride to the site.
Cagarras Fundas
Cagarras Fundas offers a versatile diving experience with various profiles, beginning at a shallow depth and extending down to 30 meters. Located to the west of Cagarras Point, the site features a rich marine ecosystem. At a depth of 14 meters, divers can observe a diverse array of marine life, including rays, lobsters, octopuses, clown shrimps, and large pot-shaped sponges.
Caieiras
Caieiras offers a dive that reaches a depth of approximately 17 meters, situated among three notable rock formations. The site is characterized by a significant presence of algae and serves as a habitat for sea turtles, which can often be observed resting and feeding. Divers may also encounter thin sharks and schools of barracudas during their exploration.
Canal da Sela da Gineta
Canal da Sela da Gineta is situated at the rear of Sela Gineta Island, characterized by clear and shallow waters. The dive site may experience moderate currents due to its geographical positioning. Divers can expect to observe various schooling fish and other marine life, as the channel formed between Sela Gineta Island and Middle Island creates a conducive environment for diverse aquatic species.
Caverna da Sapata
Caverna da Sapata is a notable cave dive site characterized by its impressive dimensions, reaching approximately 15 meters in height and 30 meters in length. The site can experience currents, but it remains accessible to both beginner and advanced divers. Marine life in the area includes nail rays, groupers, and various species of grouper, making it a point of interest for divers exploring the region.
Cordilheiras
Cordilheiras is located adjacent to Rata Island and features a rocky wall that descends to depths of 30 meters. The site is notable for its striking geological formations and rich marine biodiversity. Divers can expect to encounter various schools of fish, along with rays and turtles, making it a dynamic underwater environment.
Corveta Ipiranga V17
The Corveta Ipiranga V17 is a notable wreck dive located at a depth of approximately 60 meters. This site is recognized for its well-preserved structure, remaining in an upright position. Divers must possess an Extended Range certification or equivalent deep diving experience and should always dive with a qualified professional. The site is accessed by boat, making it a specialized dive for those seeking to explore significant underwater wrecks.
Ilha do Frade
Ilha do Frade is situated off the coast, directly in front of Atalaia beach. The dive site features depths ranging from 8 to 22 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including rays, turtles, lobsters, and moray eels. Additionally, schools of fish are frequently observed in the area. Access to the site is via shore entry.
Ilha do Meio
Ilha do Meio is a tranquil dive site with depths reaching up to 15 meters. Located between the Sea of Outside and the Sea of Inside, this island is abundant in marine biodiversity. Divers can explore small caves that often reveal new marine encounters. It is common to see schools of fish, as well as rays and sharks in the area.
Iuias
Iuias is characterized by its unique topography, featuring notable canyons and caves formed by its rocky structure. The dive site reaches depths between 12 and 25 meters and is situated away from the island, where currents can be present. This location is recommended for experienced divers only. Divers can frequently observe various species of fish and sharks, along with sightings of pelagic and transient fish species.
Laje Dois Irmãos
Laje Dois Irmãos is a dive site located near a hill of the same name, accessible from the shore. The dive can reach depths of up to 22 meters. Common marine life sightings include turtles, rays, and various shark species. Additionally, divers may encounter octopus, squid, moray eels, lobsters, and schools of fish in the area.
Macaxeira
Macaxeira is situated in the Sea of Outside, featuring depths that reach up to 40 meters. The site is located in the northernmost part of the island and is characterized by a consistent current that guides divers towards a wall of collapsed rocks. Beyond this wall, divers can explore a plateau abundant with algae. Marine life frequently observed includes shoals of mackerel, horse mackerel, shrimp, anchovies, and nail rays. The area is also known for the Eel Garden, where sightings of nurse sharks and lemon sharks can occasionally occur.
Morro de Fora
Morro de Fora is located near Conceição Beach and offers diving opportunities at depths reaching up to 16 meters. The site is notable for its dense populations of fire corals. Divers can expect to encounter various marine species, including morays, trumpetfishes, and parrotfishes, which often take refuge among the rocky formations.
Naufragio do Porto
Naufragio do Porto is a shallow dive site with depths reaching up to 8 meters, featuring the wreck of the Greek ship Asturia, which sank in the 1930s. This location serves as an artificial reef, providing habitat and shelter for a variety of marine life, including juvenile fish and other species. It is a common site for beginner open water dives, making it accessible for those in training.
Pedras Secas
Pedras Secas is a dive site with depths reaching approximately 15 meters. The underwater landscape is characterized by intricate rock formations that create corridors, canyons, arches, and small caves. Marine life at this site includes barracudas, rays, turtles, and lobsters, contributing to its reputation as a notable diving location in Brazil.
Pontal do Norte
Pontal do Norte features a prominent dark stone monolith located further from the island, with its summit nearly reaching the water's surface. This site offers divers clean blue waters surrounding the structure. It is an excellent location for observing larger marine species, including turtles, barracudas, and various types of groupers. Divers may also have the opportunity to encounter a manta ray with some luck.
Ressurreta
Ressurreta is a shore entry dive site located between Rata and Middle Islands, with depths ranging from 8 to 12 meters. It is known for its calm environment and is suitable for both baptisms and night diving. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including groupers, barracudas, and occasional sightings of sharks and rays.
Trinta Reis
Trinta Reis is a small island located in the Outside area, directly in front of Abreus Cove. The dive site reaches a maximum depth of 22 meters and features a notable canyon formed by two rocky walls. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and large schools of surgeons and piranjicas.