Explore Pernambuco

Diving at Fernando de Noronha consists of cave, reef, wreck, drift, and night-diving. The protected nature of the waters surrounding this archipelago makes for breathtaking floral and faunal biodiversity. Liveaboard diving is common at Fernando de Noronha since there are so many stunning dive sites to explore among these islands. Scuba diving is popular year-round at Fernando de Noronha, and the visibility is impressive -- sometimes exceeding 40m! The best conditions, however, are from August to November on the northern side of the main island, and January through Match on the southern side. 

Wreck-diving is the most popular type of diving in Recife due to the 100+ wrecked vessels that can be found in the waters just offshore of Recife. Some of these wrecks are intentional, though most of them sank as a result of colliding with the reef. There are countless wrecks of many ship types, from war galleons to barges that can be explored by divers. Like Fernando de Noronha, diving at Recife is year-round, and water temperatures are on average 25℃ (77℉).

Top Regions to Explore

Dive Activity

Diving in Pernambuco

Pernambuco, a vibrant state in Brazil, offers an array of impressive dive sites that attract divers from around the globe. Among its notable sites is the Corveta V 17 wreck, an intriguing vessel sunk intentionally to create an artificial reef. This wreck, sitting at a depth accessible for most divers, is teeming with marine life, making it a must-visit for those interested in both history and biodiversity. Another highlight is the Santo Aleixo Island, ideal for shore dives, offering rich coral gardens and abundant fish species near the coast.

For those seeking unique experiences, Pernambuco does not disappoint. Night dives are particularly popular, revealing nocturnal behaviors of marine creatures that remain hidden during the day. Additionally, the balance between shore and liveaboard diving options ensures flexibility for divers; shore dives provide easy access to reefs directly from the beach, while liveaboards offer extended trips to remote, captivating dive spots. This blend allows divers to tailor their adventure according to their preferences, making Pernambuco a versatile diving destination.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Pernambuco

Pernambuco, located in northeastern Brazil, boasts vibrant marine life, especially around its coral reefs. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of reef fish such as the colorful parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish throughout the year. These species are common in the warm, clear waters and are a delight to observe for their striking patterns and colors.

Seasonal highlights include the presence of sea turtles, especially the hawksbill and loggerhead turtles, which are often seen nesting on beaches from September to March. Divers might also spot rays, including the spotted eagle ray, gliding gracefully over the sandy seabeds. While shark sightings are rare, nurse sharks might occasionally be seen resting on the ocean floor in more remote diving sites. The likelihood of encountering these species varies, with turtles and reef fish being the most common sightings throughout the year.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

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

Total number of species approx.: 27

Barracuda

Barracuda

793 Sightings
J
40
F
52
M
95
A
53
M
94
J
12
J
62
A
97
S
130
O
89
N
42
D
27
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

769 Sightings
J
36
F
51
M
74
A
55
M
38
J
40
J
99
A
98
S
131
O
73
N
39
D
35

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

Total number of species approx.: 200

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

572 Sightings
J
35
F
26
M
21
A
20
M
36
J
8
J
57
A
86
S
116
O
79
N
57
D
31
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

234 Sightings
J
8
F
13
M
24
A
9
M
28
J
5
J
11
A
14
S
94
O
15
N
5
D
8

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

Total number of species approx.: 300

Octopus

Octopus

220 Sightings
J
4
F
4
M
12
A
3
M
15
J
27
J
29
A
36
S
37
O
35
N
8
D
10

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

Total number of species approx.: 25

Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray

168 Sightings
J
14
F
10
M
7
A
11
M
8
J
14
J
18
A
14
S
49
O
12
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.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

118 Sightings
J
5
F
11
M
16
A
8
M
22
J
1
J
14
A
7
S
4
O
21
N
8
D
1
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle

62 Sightings
J
6
F
3
M
3
A
8
M
5
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
5
N
27
D
4
Spinner Dolphin

Spinner Dolphin

58 Sightings
J
2
F
7
M
4
A
8
M
2
J
5
J
0
A
0
S
28
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.: 80

Stingrays

Stingrays

880 Sightings
J
59
F
33
M
59
A
38
M
94
J
22
J
101
A
101
S
161
O
89
N
78
D
45

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

Total number of species approx.: 2

Nurse Shark

Nurse Shark

704 Sightings
J
55
F
43
M
131
A
34
M
56
J
32
J
55
A
62
S
78
O
50
N
63
D
45
Lemon Shark

Lemon Shark

489 Sightings
J
40
F
11
M
72
A
28
M
55
J
45
J
35
A
34
S
75
O
61
N
23
D
10

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

Total number of species approx.: 55

Lobster

Lobster

406 Sightings
J
17
F
18
M
27
A
16
M
38
J
8
J
39
A
62
S
84
O
48
N
25
D
24

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

Total number of species approx.: 85

Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish

369 Sightings
J
32
F
24
M
60
A
19
M
36
J
0
J
31
A
36
S
60
O
31
N
14
D
26

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

310 Sightings
J
29
F
14
M
120
A
10
M
16
J
0
J
27
A
16
S
15
O
22
N
28
D
13

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

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

272 Sightings
J
16
F
8
M
33
A
14
M
45
J
0
J
13
A
32
S
36
O
47
N
14
D
14

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Soldierfish

Soldierfish

164 Sightings
J
20
F
8
M
15
A
18
M
12
J
0
J
2
A
22
S
12
O
39
N
15
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 40

Jackfish

Jackfish

164 Sightings
J
15
F
14
M
10
A
5
M
27
J
1
J
22
A
7
S
42
O
12
N
3
D
6

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

Total number of species approx.: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts

146 Sightings
J
21
F
12
M
21
A
15
M
11
J
0
J
19
A
3
S
9
O
19
N
13
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

Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets

146 Sightings
J
13
F
20
M
27
A
7
M
11
J
1
J
5
A
11
S
32
O
7
N
5
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

Snapper

Snapper

124 Sightings
J
11
F
3
M
10
A
9
M
17
J
0
J
10
A
13
S
29
O
5
N
6
D
11

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

Total number of species approx.: 350

Damselfish

Damselfish

115 Sightings
J
13
F
5
M
40
A
4
M
9
J
0
J
10
A
8
S
11
O
5
N
6
D
4

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

109 Sightings
J
17
F
14
M
15
A
10
M
6
J
0
J
12
A
5
S
6
O
7
N
11
D
6

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Goatfish

Goatfish

78 Sightings
J
9
F
9
M
3
A
6
M
9
J
0
J
11
A
3
S
6
O
6
N
10
D
6

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster

73 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
17
A
6
M
12
J
1
J
0
A
3
S
1
O
26
N
1
D
4

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

66 Sightings
J
2
F
7
M
8
A
2
M
8
J
1
J
0
A
9
S
9
O
19
N
0
D
1

The best Months to Dive in Pernambuco

Pernambuco offers favorable diving conditions year-round, making it a sought-after destination for divers. The state enjoys warm water temperatures ranging from 26°C to 29°C throughout the year, ensuring comfortable dives. Visibility typically varies from 15 to 30 meters, providing clear views of the vibrant marine life and shipwrecks that the area is known for.

Diving is possible year-round, but the rainy season, from April to July, might affect conditions due to increased rainfall. During this period, visibility can be slightly reduced, and stronger currents may be present, particularly near the coast. Wind conditions are generally mild, with occasional gusts that are more prominent in the rainy season. However, the overall weather in Pernambuco remains relatively stable, allowing divers to enjoy its underwater wonders at almost any time of the year.

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