Diving in Southeastern Brazil
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Southeastern Brazil's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Southeastern Brazil, ecoregion. This region features 52 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Southeastern Brazil 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 Southeastern Brazil (1)
Popular Spots in Southeastern Brazil (52)
Arvoredo - Saco do Engenho
Arvoredo - Saco do Engenho features a sandy and rocky bottom with depths ranging from 6 to 15 meters. Within the Engenho area, divers can explore a cave that contains two chambers, often inhabited by large groupers. Additionally, the site is known for sightings of pelagic fish. Marine life in the vicinity includes turtles, lobsters, octopuses, salemas, stingrays, morays, kangaroos, eye of the ox, royal friars, and seahorses.
Balsa Dianka
Balsa Dianka is an artificial reef located at a depth of approximately 30 meters, making it suitable for advanced divers. The site is home to large fish species, including Grouper and Barracuda, which find shelter among the structures. Due to its distance from the coast, access is typically via speed boats, allowing for a more efficient travel time to the dive site.
Balsa Espera Sete
Balsa Espera Sete is located at a depth of approximately 30 meters, making it suitable for advanced divers. The site is accessed by boat, as it is positioned further from the coast, allowing for quicker travel times. This dive site provides a habitat for various fish species, including Grouper, Barracuda, and Whiting.
Calhaus
Calhaus is a notable dive site located at coordinates -24.329000, -46.162300, accessible only by boat. The site is known for its dynamic sea conditions, which can limit diving opportunities. Divers must enter the water while the boat is in motion, making for an exhilarating entry. A distinctive feature of this dive is a tunnel that divers can navigate through. Marine life commonly observed here includes turtles and stingrays, with occasional sightings of guitar sharks.
Canal da Ilha Menina
Canal da Ilha Menina offers a drift diving experience, contingent on tide conditions. The site features notable rock formations and a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter schools of small fish, burrowing octopuses, and various baiacus during their dive.
Círculo Militar do Paraná
Círculo Militar do Paraná offers a diving experience at a depth of approximately 15 meters. The site is characterized by diverse rock formations, including corridors, canyons, arches, and small caves. Marine life observed here includes barracudas, rays, turtles, and lobsters, contributing to its reputation as a notable dive location in Brazil.
Costão da Jaconema - Deck Pous Nautilus (Ilha Grd RJ)
Costão da Jaconema offers a rocky coastline dive with depths ranging from 4 meters to 15 meters, suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. The site is known for its vibrant marine life, including sightings of coiós, friars, octopuses, squids, rays, and turtles. Night dives here are particularly rewarding due to the abundance of marine activity. Divers can also explore the Beijupirás creation while accessing the site from Nautilus Inn.
Costao de Itaipu
Costao de Itaipu offers a unique diving experience, particularly noted for night dives when marine life becomes more active. The site features a diverse array of fauna, including green turtles, guitar fishes, and squid. During nighttime, divers can observe a significant number of siris. The extensive coastline allows for multiple entry points, making it accessible from the shore.
Fenda Jorge Grego
Fenda Jorge Grego features a prominent crevice measuring approximately 4 meters in width and extending to a depth of 15 meters. This site is located off the coast of Ilha Grande and is accessed by boat. Divers can expect to encounter various shoals at the entrance of the crevice, along with sightings of turtles. The walls of the crevice are often home to nudibranchs, making it a notable spot for marine life observation. Due to the drift diving conditions, this site is recommended for divers with experience.
I Comprida - Face Norte
I Comprida - Face Norte features a sheltered coastline with a steep slope that descends to depths between 9 and 12 meters. Divers can expect to encounter schools of Dog-Eye, Cocorocas, and Salemas, along with batfish and fake flyers. In clearer conditions, sightings of turtles and rays are also possible at this site.
Ilha das Cabras
A short paddleboard or kayak trip from the shore takes you to Ilha das Cabras, one of Ilhabela’s most iconic dive spots. The warm and calm waters are inviting year-round, with the best conditions in summer when visibility can reach up to ~20m. Around the island you’ll find vibrant reef fish swimming in schools, turtles gliding near the rocks, and a sandy bottom with light current that makes the experience relaxing and enjoyable.
Ilha de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios
Ilha de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios is a shore dive site characterized by large stones that create numerous burrows and crevices. The area is known for its strong currents, which can affect diving conditions. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including schools of passing fish, turtles, and rays that inhabit the sandy bottom. The rocky structure provides a habitat for diverse fish species, making it a notable location for underwater exploration.
Ilha de Currais
Ilha de Currais is a conservation unit within the Marine National Park, located off the coast of Praia de Leste in Pontal do Paraná. The average diving depth around the island is approximately 12 meters, varying by the specific dive location. The site is notable for its rich biodiversity, both in terms of marine fauna and flora. Additionally, it is recognized as one of the most bird-rich islands in Brazil, contributing to the ecological significance of the area.
Ilha de Itacolomis
Ilha de Itacolomis is situated near Guaratuba Bay and features rocky formations with minimal vegetation. The site has an average depth of 10 meters and is characterized by various slabs that support a diverse range of marine life. Divers can encounter species such as sea bass, dorado, hake, anchovies, and swordfish, along with numerous schools of different fish species.
Ilha De Jorge Grego
Ilha do Jorge Grego offers two diving areas: the internal part has a small wreck and rocky passages at depths less than 20 meters (66 feet), while the outer side features small caves at depths reaching 42 meters (138 feet), suitable for advanced divers. Marine life includes skates, groupers, trumpetfish, moray eels, shrimps, starfish, sea turtles, and dolphins during the summer.
Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes
Ilha do Farol, part of the Alcatrazes archipelago, is recognized as one of the most untouched marine environments in São Paulo, primarily due to usage restrictions enforced by the Brazilian Navy and Esec Tupinambás since the 1980s. After a 30-year prohibition, scuba diving was reopened to the public in December 2018. The area is home to the largest frigate forest in Latin America, providing a unique ecosystem. While navigating the waters, divers may encounter various marine life, including dolphins, whales, and orcas, as well as a variety of bird species. The site is accessible only by boat.
Ilha dos Meros - Paraty
Ilha dos Meros, located in Paraty-RJ, is a well-known diving location in Southeast Brazil. The site offers a maximum depth of 13 meters and is characterized by calm waters with minimal current, making it suitable for divers of various experience levels. While overfishing has led to a decline in the diversity and size of marine life, divers can still encounter schools of fish, rays, and turtles in this area.
Ilha Josefa
Ilha Josefa is a dive site situated in Angra dos Reis, RJ, featuring depths that range from 0 to 8 meters. The dive takes place along the rocky coastline, where divers can observe a variety of marine life including numerous sponges, corals, and small, colorful fish such as sergeants and reef groupers.
Ilha Mae / Ponta Sul
Ilha Mae, specifically at Ponta Sul, offers a dive site ideal for both novice and seasoned divers seeking a tranquil experience. The site features shallow depths with a clear demarcation between the shore and the sandy bottom. Divers may encounter various marine species, including butterfly rays, nail rays, and, on occasion, eagle rays. The abundance of marine life makes it a notable location for underwater exploration.
Ilha Montão de Trigo
Ilha Montão de Trigo is an island located in São Paulo, Brazil, positioned between Bertioga Bay and the São Sebastião Channel, approximately 10 kilometers from the mainland. The island features a conical shape, resembling a pile of wheat. Divers can explore various caves and burrows around the island, where marine life such as snappers, whiting, groupers, lobsters, salemas, and monkfish can be observed, either in pairs or individually.
Ilha Pai / Ponta Sul
Ilha Pai, located at Ponta Sul, is the most distant of the islands from Itaipu Beach and features distinct rock formations compared to its neighbors, Mae and Menina. This site has a pronounced slope and a steep coastline, offering a unique diving profile. Divers can experience drifting conditions here. The marine ecosystem includes small fish, green turtles, rays, and the occasional sighting of moray eels.
Ilha Rasa - Guincho
Ilha Rasa - Guincho offers a classic coastal diving experience suitable for less experienced divers, though caution is advised due to depths reaching up to 20 meters from the shore to the sandy bottom. The average water temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius, and visibility typically measures about 3 meters. Divers can expect to see various marine life, including shoals of cocoroca, dog-eye fish, surgeons, salemas, butterfly fish, and friars. Additionally, barracudas, turtles, and rays may also be encountered during dives.
Ilha Rasa - Portinho
Ilha Rasa - Portinho is a dive site that provides a sheltered environment, making it suitable for beginner divers, especially when south-southwest swells are present. The site features depths reaching approximately 30 meters as divers move away from the sandy areas. The average water temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius, with visibility typically at 3 meters. Marine life commonly observed includes schools of Cocoroca, Dog-Eye, Surgeons, and Salemas, along with butterfly fish and friars. Additionally, divers may encounter barracudas, turtles, and some rays during their dive.
Ilha Vitoria
Ilha Vitória serves as a convenient diving location between São Sebastião and Ubatuba, accessible from either municipality. The site offers both shallow and deep diving opportunities, catering to divers of varying experience levels. Marine life commonly encountered includes reef fish, passing fish, turtles, rays, morays, octopuses, and squid. During navigation, dolphins may also be spotted.
Ilhas Maricas - Naufragio do Moreno
Ilhas Maricas - Naufragio do Moreno features an old dismantled wreck that attracts a variety of marine life, making it an interesting dive site. Divers can observe large eels and numerous nudibranchs that inhabit the wreck. Additionally, sightings of stingrays and turtles are common. The dive site offers a shallow area suitable for divers of all experience levels, allowing for a tranquil exploration beyond the wreck itself.
Imbetiba Wreck
This shallow wreck near the beach lies at depths between 2 and 4 meters, depending on the tide. It’s the remains of the Imbetiba, a small oil industry support vessel that sank in the 1980s. Often hidden beneath a layer of sand, the wreck is only visible during certain times of the year. The water is cold and incredibly clear, offering great conditions for snorkeling when visibility allows.
Jardim dos Corais - Alcatrazes
Jardim dos Corais - Alcatrazes is a dive site characterized by its relatively sheltered conditions. The depth ranges from approximately 10 to 23 meters. Divers should be aware that cold water temperatures can occur during winter months, while summer often brings thermoclines. The site features large colonies of brain corals and other coral species, which are currently facing threats of extinction. It is advisable to check with the dive operator regarding current conditions before diving.
Laje de Santos - Boca da Baleia
Laje de Santos - Boca da Baleia is located within a Marine State Park, making it one of the most well-preserved diving locations along the São Paulo coastline. This site is characterized by the presence of various medium to large pelagic species, including tuna, small skates, manta rays, and diverse schools of fish. Diving conditions at Boca da Baleia are best on calm days with minimal current, and it is recommended only for advanced and experienced divers due to the potential challenges. Access to the site is exclusively by boat.
Laje de Santos - Piscinas
Laje de Santos - Piscinas is a shallow dive site known for its photographic opportunities. Divers may encounter sea turtles, schools of small fish, and moray eels. Caution is advised regarding currents, particularly near the exposed side of Laje, where visibility limits can be exceeded. The site is accessible from the shore.
Laje de Santos - Portinho
Laje de Santos - Portinho is recognized as the primary location for boat berths within the park. It is the most sheltered area of Laje de Santos, making it a popular site for diving activities. The average depth at this site is around 20 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including numerous passing fish, as well as turtles, rays, and moray eels, which are frequently observed in the vicinity.
Mae Ilha Caves
Mae Ilha Caves consists of unique rock formations that create a series of small caves, providing an engaging environment for divers of varying experience levels. The area is rich in marine life, with numerous fish species inhabiting the caves. Divers may also encounter large eagle rays in the vicinity, particularly around the rocky reef. This site is recognized as a popular diving location along the Niteroi coast.
Naufrágio Buenos Aires (Wreck)
The Buenos Aires wreck, which sank in 1890, is located at a depth ranging from 13 to 42 meters. This site is recommended for experienced divers due to the presence of strong surface currents. The average water temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius, and visibility typically reaches about 3 meters. Divers may encounter various marine life, including stonefish, which require caution. Additionally, sightings of lobsters, moray eels, and eagle rays are possible at this location.
Naufrágio Pinguino
Naufrágio Pinguino is located in the center of Sítio Forte cove and is recognized as the most well-preserved shipwreck in the Costa Verde area. The wreck lies at a depth of 18 meters, making it accessible for beginner divers who are exploring this notable diving site. Penetration of the wreck is not permitted. The area is known for its rich marine life, with frequent sightings of schools of mullets, hoe, pirajica, and big eyes surrounding the wreck.
Parcel da Laje Branca
Parcel da Laje Branca is located near Laje Branca and can be accessed from the shore. The dive site features submerged rock formations with depths ranging from 8 to 15 meters. These formations include crevices and clusters of stones and corals. Due to its sheltered nature, divers may encounter currents during rough sea conditions. The marine life here is diverse, typical of the Ilha Grande region, and includes various shoals, turtles, moray eels, seahorses, and octopuses.
Parcel das Ancoras - Laje de Santos
Parcel das Ancoras is a deep dive site reaching depths of up to 45 meters. Divers can explore numerous underwater pinnacles and observe a variety of marine life, including large schools of snappers and jackfish. The area is notable for the concentration of anchors from various boats, providing a unique underwater landscape. Sightings of rays, turtles, whiting, and groupers are also common, making it a diverse site for underwater exploration.
Parcel do Coronel
Parcel do Coronel is a dive site located in Ilha Grande, reaching depths of up to 26 meters and extending approximately 200 meters in length. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including frequent encounters with stingrays, butterflyfish, and eagle rays. Schools of sardines and cocorocas are commonly observed in this area, making it a vibrant spot for divers. Access to the site is via shore entry.
Parque Dos Meros
Parque dos Meros is a dive site located in open water, reaching depths of around 18 meters. The site features artificial marine reefs made from concrete blocks, strategically placed between Currais and Itacolomis Islands. Divers can expect to encounter large groupers, known for their calm demeanor, which can grow over 2 meters in length and weigh up to 250 kg as adults.
Ponta de Porto Belo
Ponta de Porto Belo is suitable for both novice and experienced divers, with depths ranging from 3 to 10 meters. The site features a combination of rocky and sandy bottom, providing a sheltered environment. Visibility can fluctuate significantly, typically around 2 meters, but may reach up to 5 meters on optimal days. The area supports a notable variety of marine life.
Ponta do Alvo
Ponta do Alvo, also referred to as Ponta Grossa do Sitio Forte, is located near the Sitio Forte inlet. Divers can explore the remnants of an old pier, with a notable feature at the tip known as Alvo, which serves as a nautical radar reflector. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including sea horses, turtles, sea stars, and various fish species such as flying gunnards, salemas, bodiões, marimbas, and sergeants.
Ponta do Bananal
Ponta do Bananal is a shore dive site characterized by its rocky coastline and shallow waters, making it suitable for beginner divers. The site is located close to the shore, providing easy access for divers. Marine life commonly observed here includes sergeant majors and maiden fish, along with the opportunity to see seahorses in their natural habitat.
Ponta Grossa
Ponta Grossa do Sítio Forte is a dive site located on a rocky coastline. Divers can access the site from the shore. As you navigate around the point, you will enter the Cove of Sítio Forte. The area is known for its diverse marine life, with common species including Sergeant fish, Damsels, Flying Gunnards, Marimbás, and Salemas. This site offers a variety of underwater experiences for divers exploring the local ecosystem.
Praia da Sepultura
Praia da Sepultura is a well-known beach in Bombinhas, offering a diving experience suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. The dive site features a depth range of 2 to 6 meters, making it accessible for various skill levels. Visibility can fluctuate significantly, typically around 2 meters but may improve to 5 meters on optimal days. The area is rich in marine life, providing divers with opportunities to observe a variety of underwater species.
Praia de Bombinhas
Praia de Bombinhas is a beach dive site with depths ranging from 2 to 6 meters. The underwater environment consists of a sandy bottom adjacent to rocky formations, facilitating easy navigation during the dive. Visibility can fluctuate significantly, generally around 2 meters but can improve to 5 meters on optimal days. The area is known for its diverse marine life, making it an engaging spot for divers.
Praia Mansa Caiobá
Relaxed beach with calm waters and sandy bottom, perfect for a chill hang spot. Light currents and rocky areas attract turtles and schools of reef fish, adding to the charm. Surrounded by nature, it’s a peaceful place to swim, or just enjoy the vibe.
Praia Vermelha - Costão do Morro da Babilônia
Praia Vermelha, located in the Urca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, features a rocky shoreline with the Morro da Babilônia on the right side. Divers can enter the water from the beach and explore the rocky wall, moving away from the beach towards the first inlet. The site is home to various marine life, including puffer fish, coyos, and friars, as well as frequent sightings of turtles and octopuses. Caution is advised due to the presence of numerous sea urchins.
Praia Vermelha - costão do morro da Babilônia 2
Praia Vermelha is situated in the Urca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, characterized by a rocky shoreline adjacent to Babilônia hill. The second dive point begins at the initial cove and extends towards the beach, following the curve of the coastline. Divers can observe various marine life, including puffer fish, coiós, and frades. The area is also home to sea urchins, which require caution while diving. Additionally, sightings of turtles and octopuses are common in this location.
Recanto do Capim
Recanto do Capim features a bottom composed of stones and sand, with depths ranging from 5 to 12 meters. This site is characterized by its sheltered environment, offering a quiet diving experience. Divers can explore numerous passages between the rocks, as well as a cave that provides access to the surface. The marine life here is diverse, with sightings of turtles, seahorses, lobsters, boxfish, salema, sea bass, mullet, and miriquitis.
Rio de Janeiro (Wreck)
The Rio de Janeiro wreck is the remains of a steamboat that sank on June 2, 1853 due to a charcoal fire. The crew attempted to manage the situation but ultimately headed towards Praia Vermelha to evacuate passengers. Divers can explore the wreckage, which includes remnants of the ship's machinery such as cylinders, pistons, wheel axle supports, and a condenser. The site is accessible from the shore.
Saco Do Bananal
Saco Do Bananal is a dive site located 35 km off the coast of Itanhaém, São Paulo. The site features rock formations with depths varying up to 30 meters, and divers can encounter large schools of Caranhas (Lutjanus cyanopterus) weighing up to 50 kg, as well as manta rays. Entry is by boat only, and sightings of dolphins and Bryde's whales are common during the journey.
Saco do Capim
Saco do Capim is a dive site characterized by a sandy and rocky bottom, with depths ranging from 5 to 12 meters. This sheltered area resembles a natural pool and is home to the wreck of the Granada, which sank during a storm after drifting into the island of Arvoredo. The wreckage is in a dismantled state, with debris scattered across the seafloor. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including turtles, seahorses, lobsters, octopuses, salemas, surgeonfish, groupers, skates, false flies, vault fish, nudibranchs, trumpets, and dogfish.
Saco do Funil - Alcatrazes
Saco do Funil is a sheltered dive site located within the Alcatrazes Refugio. The depth ranges from 10 to 20 meters, making it suitable for beginner divers. Divers can expect to find octopus burrows in the sandy areas near the rocky shoreline, accompanied by a notable presence of shells and crab remains in the vicinity.
Trapiche de Bombinhas
Trapiche de Bombinhas is a well-known dive site located at coordinates -27.147400, -48.482100. This site is accessible from the shore and features a depth range of 2 to 6 meters. It is suitable for both beginner and experienced divers, providing a sheltered environment for a calm diving experience. Visibility can vary significantly, typically around 2 meters but may reach up to 5 meters. The area is home to a notable variety of marine life, making it an interesting spot for underwater exploration.