Explore São Paulo

Diving along the São Paulo Seaside offers an intriguing blend of unique marine environments, from the vibrant reefs of Ilhabela to the intriguing shipwrecks near Ilha de Búzios. The region is renowned for its biodiverse marine life, thanks to the confluence of warm surface waters and nutrient-rich cold currents flowing from Antarctica. This mix supports a rich tapestry of underwater flora and fauna, making every dive a captivating experience. Typical encounters include colorful reef fish, playful sea turtles, and occasionally, the elusive seahorse. However, divers should note that visibility can be limited to about 5 meters, adding a sense of mystery to the underwater exploration. Most dive sites are accessible only by boat, with options ranging from day trips to more extended liveaboard adventures. The protected Laje de Santos Marine Park stands out as a must-visit area, located about 90 kilometers offshore. This marine sanctuary not only offers breathtaking underwater landscapes but also serves as a critical refuge for diverse marine species. Seasonal temperatures vary, with a warm climate from October to May, providing pleasant conditions for diving. Whether you're an experienced diver or a newcomer eager to explore, the São Paulo Seaside promises an unforgettable diving adventure enriched by its natural beauty and ecological significance.

Upcoming Events

    • Dive Activity

    Diving in São Paulo

    Dive destinations near São Paulo offer reef-diving, wreck-diving, deep-diving, and drift-diving. The underwater landscape consists of dramatic rock formations, colorful corals, and shipwrecks. Strong currents in this region make drift dives possible, but there are more sheltered dive sites as well for those new to diving.

    Dive Centers

    AMIGOS DO JOE

    AMIGOS DO JOE

    RUA MANUEL DA NÓBREGA, 781, 04001-084 SÃO PAULO, SP - Brazil
    CHOCO DIVE, CHOCO DIVE ESCOLA DE MERGULHO, VIAGENS E EQUIPAMEN

    CHOCO DIVE, CHOCO DIVE ESCOLA DE MERGULHO, VIAGENS E EQUIPAMEN

    Rua Luis Góis 2172, 04043-000 SÃO PAULO, SP - Brazil
    ESTAÇÃO DO MAR

    ESTAÇÃO DO MAR

    RUA AVEDIS SIMONIAN 391, 11421-060 GUARUJÁ, SP - Brazil
    STAFF DIVERS

    STAFF DIVERS

    RUA ESTADO DE ISRAEL 75, 04022-000 SAO PAULO, SP - Brazil

    Diving College

    Rua Urbanizadora 140, 01252-040 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

    Dive Sites

    OCTOPUS DIVE, 11615-600 SÃO SEBASTIÃO
    Ilha Montão de Trigo <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Ilha Montão de Trigo (★4.5)

    The island of Montão de Trigo, sometimes called Ilha Monte de Trigo, is an island in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It is located between the Bertioga bay and São Sebastião channel, approximately 10 km from the mainland. The island has a conical shape that resembles, as the name implies, a pile of wheat.
    CNM DIVE, 13211-698 JUNDIAI
    Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes (★4.1)

    The Alcatrazes archipelago is the most pristine marine area in the state of São Paulo, in part due to the restrictions on use established by the Brazilian Navy (MB) and Esec Tupinambás since the 1980s. After more than 30 years prohibited, scuba diving was again opened to the population in December 2018.
    SSI Service Center Brazil, 13211-693 Jundiaí SP
    Calhaus <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Calhaus (★4.5)

    Laje de Santos’ most desired dive point for all divers, however, the sea conditions do not always allow diving in Calhaus. At this point there are no ropes for anchorage and the giant step is given with the boat in motion. Really exciting! The passage through the tunnel is surprising.
    SSI Service Center Brazil, 13211-693 Jundiaí SP
    Parcel das Ancoras - Laje de Santos <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Parcel das Ancoras - Laje de Santos (★4.5)

    The Parcel of the anchors is a place for deep dives up to 45 meters, where it is possible to see dozens of anchors and also several underwater pinnacles, where large shoals are concentrated and sightings of large fish are common.
    Scubapro
    Laje de Santos - Piscinas <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Laje de Santos - Piscinas (★4.4)

    This is the most beautiful diving spot in Laje de Santos. It is a shallow spot and therefore great for photographs. Divers should be careful not to exceed the boat's vision limits, because the curve to the exposed side of Laje can present strong current.
    Aqualung
    Laje de Santos - Portinho <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Laje de Santos - Portinho (★4.2)

    This is the most famous point of Laje de Santos, where all the berth for the boats operating in the Park are located. As the name already says, Portinho is the most sheltered place of Laje and where most of the dives are made. The average depth is 20 meters.
    Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
    Laje de Santos - Boca da Baleia <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Laje de Santos - Boca da Baleia (★4.4)

    Laje de Santos is a Marine State Park and, therefore, is one of the most preserved diving spots on the São Paulo coast. Diving at Boca da Baleia should only be done on calm days, with little or no current, only by advanced and experienced divers.
    Mares
    Saco do Funil - Alcatrazes <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Saco do Funil - Alcatrazes (★4.2)

    This dive spot is one of the most sheltered in the Alcatrazes Refugio. Its depth varies from 10 to 20 meters and is recommended for beginner divers.
    Mares
    Jardim dos Corais - Alcatrazes <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Jardim dos Corais - Alcatrazes (★4.4)

    This dive spot is relatively sheltered. It can have cold waters in winter and the termoclines are common in summer. The depth varies from 10 to 23 meters approximately. Consult the operator regarding the current on site.
    Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
    Ilha do Mato <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Ilha do Mato (★4.3)

    This dive site is located on the north side of Ilha do Mato, about 5-10 minutes by boat from Praia do Guaiuba. The site has a depth of 8-12m, and generally about 1-5m of visibility, with better conditions in the summer.

    The best Months to Dive in São Paulo

    Due to the region’s nutrient-rich waters, visibility is normally about 5 meters/16 feet. Visibility improves, however, during the summertime (up to 25 meters/82 feet), so this may be a good time to target for diving. On the other hand, if seeing manta rays is on your list, then fall and winter would be the best time to visit, as this is when they pass through the Laje de Santos Marine Park area as part of their migratory path.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in São Paulo

    The waters off the coast of São Paulo are inhabited by marine megafauna drawn to the nutrients brought to this region by Antarctic waters. Sightings of whales, giant stingrays, sea turtles, manta rays, and pelagic fish are common.

    In the waters of Laje de Santos Marine Park, close to 200 species of reef fish can be found, including grouper, wrasse, parrotfish, grunts, sergeant majors, damselfish, porgies, and blennies.

    Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

    Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle
    227 Sightings
    J
    25
    F
    21
    M
    32
    A
    25
    M
    22
    J
    23
    J
    20
    A
    6
    S
    2
    O
    11
    N
    17
    D
    23

    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

    Moray Eel
    69 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    0
    M
    18
    A
    9
    M
    5
    J
    6
    J
    7
    A
    2
    S
    2
    O
    3
    N
    2
    D
    10

    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

    Wrasse
    64 Sightings
    J
    11
    F
    12
    M
    7
    A
    6
    M
    4
    J
    3
    J
    6
    A
    2
    S
    1
    O
    6
    N
    1
    D
    5

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    iStock/Juliosanjuan
    Eagle Ray

    Eagle Ray
    41 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    8
    M
    8
    A
    3
    M
    4
    J
    0
    J
    2
    A
    2
    S
    0
    O
    5
    N
    1
    D
    3
    Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
    Hawksbill Turtle

    Hawksbill Turtle
    29 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    2
    M
    4
    A
    6
    M
    2
    J
    1
    J
    1
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    1
    N
    2
    D
    3

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets
    147 Sightings
    J
    15
    F
    20
    M
    20
    A
    13
    M
    13
    J
    8
    J
    17
    A
    5
    S
    2
    O
    7
    N
    6
    D
    21

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    iStock/Extreme-Photographer
    Stingrays

    Stingrays
    139 Sightings
    J
    16
    F
    5
    M
    20
    A
    17
    M
    13
    J
    25
    J
    17
    A
    7
    S
    1
    O
    6
    N
    3
    D
    9

    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

    Angelfish
    99 Sightings
    J
    7
    F
    18
    M
    15
    A
    6
    M
    7
    J
    13
    J
    4
    A
    5
    S
    1
    O
    2
    N
    7
    D
    14

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    iStock-burnsboxco
    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish
    62 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    8
    M
    9
    A
    4
    M
    3
    J
    6
    J
    5
    A
    2
    S
    1
    O
    3
    N
    10
    D
    7

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-Hoatzinexp
    Jackfish

    Jackfish
    60 Sightings
    J
    12
    F
    7
    M
    6
    A
    7
    M
    4
    J
    3
    J
    1
    A
    2
    S
    1
    O
    1
    N
    10
    D
    6
    Show More

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 85

    iStock-mirecca
    Surgeonfish

    Surgeonfish
    58 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    18
    M
    4
    A
    7
    M
    5
    J
    4
    J
    2
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    4
    N
    1
    D
    8

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Shutterstock-aquapix
    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts
    58 Sightings
    J
    11
    F
    4
    M
    4
    A
    9
    M
    5
    J
    4
    J
    2
    A
    2
    S
    1
    O
    4
    N
    4
    D
    8

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Alamy-Nature Photographers Ltd
    Skate Fish

    Skate Fish
    50 Sightings
    J
    13
    F
    0
    M
    4
    A
    2
    M
    6
    J
    3
    J
    4
    A
    3
    S
    3
    O
    5
    N
    1
    D
    6

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    48 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    9
    M
    6
    A
    3
    M
    5
    J
    4
    J
    4
    A
    2
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    4
    D
    7

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
    Butterfly Fish

    Butterfly Fish
    42 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    6
    M
    8
    A
    4
    M
    4
    J
    3
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    4
    N
    4
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
    Goatfish

    Goatfish
    39 Sightings
    J
    9
    F
    4
    M
    7
    A
    0
    M
    3
    J
    6
    J
    1
    A
    1
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    5
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Soldierfish

    Soldierfish
    34 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    1
    M
    5
    A
    4
    M
    3
    J
    4
    J
    1
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    1
    N
    4
    D
    4

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-wrangel
    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish
    28 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    4
    M
    2
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    2
    J
    5
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    3
    D
    7

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 110

    iStock-Rainer von Brandis
    Snapper

    Snapper
    25 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    3
    M
    2
    A
    2
    M
    3
    J
    1
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    1
    N
    5
    D
    2

    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

    Boxfish
    14 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    2
    M
    4
    J
    1
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    2
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 7000

    iStock-Michael Zeigler
    Crab

    Crab
    13 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    1
    M
    4
    A
    1
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    3

    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

    Porcupinefish
    9 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    1
    M
    5
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 55

    Shutterstock-RLS Photo
    Lobster

    Lobster
    8 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    2
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    0
    O
    3
    N
    1
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 8

    Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish
    7 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    1
    N
    0
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Squirrelfish

    Squirrelfish
    6 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    2
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    2
    D
    2

    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

    Pufferfish
    6 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    1
    M
    1
    A
    1
    M
    0
    J
    1
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    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.: 15

    Shutterstock-Al McGlashan
    Tuna

    Tuna
    6 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    5
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0