Oriente Sub
Rua Vera Cruz, 28930-000 Arraial do Cabo, RJ - Brazil
© Scubapro
Diving in Arrail do Cabo
Arraial do Cabo, often hailed as the "Brazilian Caribbean," offers a captivating diving experience with its clear turquoise waters and diverse marine life. Located in the south of Brazil, this region boasts around 40 dive sites, catering to both novice and experienced divers. The area's unique coastal upwelling brings slightly colder waters, enriching the marine biodiversity. Divers can expect to encounter fascinating creatures such as turtles, moray eels, queen angelfish, and even elusive seahorses, making each dive a memorable encounter with nature.
The diving environments in Arraial do Cabo are varied and thrilling. Enthusiasts can explore vibrant coral reefs, mysterious caves, and historical shipwrecks, offering a glimpse into both natural and maritime history. The dive styles range from shore dives to boat dives, with some sites accessible after a scenic 30-minute sail from the mainland. With a blend of aquatic adventures and stunning underwater landscapes, Arraial do Cabo stands out as a top diving destination that promises to leave a lasting impression on all who explore its depths.
Dive Centers
Top Arraial Do Cabo Dive Sites
1. Gruta de Camarinha
This site is famous for its thrilling cave diving experience, teeming with colorful corals and sponges. Advanced divers can explore the cave’s depths, where access to the surface is challenging. Suitable for scuba diving, it offers a unique opportunity to see diverse marine life in a technical setting.
2. Gruta Azul
Known for its stunning blue hues and fascinating rock formations, Gruta Azul is home to various fish species and vibrant corals. The dive is technical, requiring advanced skills due to the cave’s structure. Scuba divers can enjoy the mesmerizing underwater scenery in this popular site.
3. Dona Paula Shipwreck
This wreck dive features a sunken ship at 7-25 meters, hosting a variety of marine life such as groupers and moray eels. With calm waters, it’s suitable for both beginner and advanced scuba divers. The site offers an exciting glimpse into the past with its historical wreckage.
4. Ilha dos Porcos
Perfect for freediving and scuba, this site boasts clear waters where sea turtles and schools of colorful fish are frequently seen. Its easy access and tranquil conditions make it ideal for divers of all levels, providing a serene environment amidst beautiful oceanic flora.
5. Praia do Forno
An excellent spot for freediving, this area is known for its rich biodiversity, including octopuses and starfish. The protected bay ensures calm waters, suitable for beginners. This site offers a chance to explore vibrant marine ecosystems close to shore.
The best Months to Dive in Arraial Do Cabo
While diving conditions are great in Arraial do Cabo year-round, beginner divers should target the July through December window, since this is when conditions are the calmest. Advanced divers comfortable with rougher conditions can dive all year round.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Arraial Do Cabo
The waters off of Arraial do Cabo are designated as the Arraial do Cabo Marine Extractive Reserve, which ensures the sustainable use of its natural resources. These waters come from the upwelling of cooler, deeper water that is high in nutrients compared to the warm surface waters of other nearby coastal areas. This high nutrient content attracts various protected species such as gobies, sea urchins, sperm whales, and some coral types. Other non-protected species that inhabit this area include queen angelfish, sea horses, moray eels, and sea turtles.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
817 Sightings
J
97
F
62
M
59
A
66
M
62
J
109
J
86
A
34
S
40
O
54
N
78
D
70
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
497 Sightings
J
42
F
37
M
20
A
40
M
24
J
67
J
68
A
13
S
18
O
32
N
67
D
69
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
237 Sightings
J
22
F
34
M
3
A
4
M
5
J
39
J
6
A
0
S
2
O
24
N
37
D
61
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle
126 Sightings
J
17
F
14
M
1
A
4
M
11
J
30
J
10
A
1
S
2
O
4
N
15
D
17
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle
66 Sightings
J
8
F
0
M
0
A
20
M
11
J
0
J
13
A
7
S
6
O
1
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 20
iStock-stephankerkhofs
Porcupinefish
421 Sightings
J
83
F
34
M
26
A
31
M
19
J
51
J
14
A
5
S
0
O
31
N
58
D
69
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 130
AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish
398 Sightings
J
39
F
46
M
32
A
27
M
20
J
48
J
21
A
14
S
16
O
31
N
38
D
66
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
376 Sightings
J
52
F
43
M
27
A
3
M
15
J
45
J
6
A
16
S
18
O
38
N
52
D
61
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 25
AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
Boxfish
270 Sightings
J
80
F
10
M
12
A
14
M
6
J
14
J
8
A
4
S
2
O
23
N
42
D
55
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 120
AdobeStock-Composer.
Flounder
253 Sightings
J
34
F
25
M
6
A
16
M
6
J
29
J
2
A
3
S
4
O
29
N
46
D
53
