Explore State of Rio de Janeiro

The diving opportunities in the state of Rio de Janeiro cover all of the bases. The dive sites in the coastal waters of Rio de Janeiro offer reef-diving, wreck-diving, cave-diving, and deep-diving.

Diving at Armação dos Búzios is geared towards beginner and advanced divers alike, what with the colorful marine life and coral reefs it has to offer. Arraial do Cabo has 40 dive sites consisting of shipwrecks, caves, and coral reefs that also meet the needs of various skill levels. The upwelling of deeper, cooler, and more nutrient-rich waters offshore of Arraial do Cabo translates to unique marine life not found in other coastal waters of Brazil.

The area near Angra dos Reis has 365 islands that have some excellent dive sites, including countless shipwrecks. Waters are calm and clear, and diveable year-round. Paraty’s dive sites are ideal for beginner divers due to the warm water and calm conditions. Ilha Grande, which is just offshore Paraty, is a UNESCO site and home to an interesting combination of marine fauna.

Places to Explore

Rio de Janeiro city

12 Divesites 5 Centers

The oceanic islands of Rio de Janeiro are the perfect location for divers to observe and photograph many different species of fish.

Paraty

1 Divesite 2 Centers

In Paraty, you will also find multiple dive sites in this place, including Island of Ganchos, Comprida Island, and Catimbau Island

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Parcel da Laje Branca

Next to Laje Branca, within 3 minutes of sailing in the direction of Ilha Longa, there is a area that is 8 to 15 meters deep. They are submerged rock formations, with crevices, clusters of stones and corals. As it is a sheltered area, it is possible that on days of rough seas currents occur.

★★★★☆ Ilha de Ancora

Ilha de Âncora is one of the main diving destinations for divers that frequent the region of Arraial do Cabo, Cabo Frio and Búzios, due to its proximity to the continent and excellent diving conditions. The depth at the points varies from 8 to 30 meters, welcoming beginners and advanced divers.

★★★★☆ Ilha dos Meros - Paraty

Ilha dos Meros, in Paraty-RJ, has become one of the most famous diving spots in the Southeast of Brazil, because most divers know the place and even made their first dives at this point. The diving is sheltered and very quiet. Maximum depth of 13 meters, without current.

★★★★☆ Naufrágio Pinguino

Situated in the middle of Sítio Forte cove, Pinguino is the best preserved shipwreck in the Costa Verde region. It is 18 meters deep, providing an incredible experience for beginner divers, who still don't know this emblematic diving scenario. Penetration not allowed.

★★★★☆ Parcel do Coronel

Parcel dos Coroneis is considered by many divers the best dive site in the sea from inside Ilha Grande. With up to 26 meters deep and 200 meters long, the Parcel dos Coroneis presents great schools and a lot of marine life.

★★★★☆ I Comprida - Face Norte

The most sheltered coastline in the region, the North Face of Ilha Comprida offers an abrupt slope, meeting with the sand between 9 and 12 meters deep.

★★★★★ Fenda Jorge Grego

The Crack of the Island of Jorge Grego is one of the most famous and desired diving spots of the sea outside of Ilha Grande. The crevice consists of an opening almost 4 meters wide and 15 meters deep, located in the middle of the Island of Greek Jorge. The dive is done with a drift boat and this requires experience.

★★★★☆ Rio de Janeiro (Wreck)

Rio de Janeiro was a steamboat that sank on June 2, 1853 as a result of a charcoal fire. The crew, after much effort, could not get around the situation, so the captain sailed towards Praia Vermelha to disembark the crew and passengers.

★★★★☆ Ponta Grossa

Ponta Grossa do Sítio Forte is a popular spot for Ilha Grande’s divers. This point is a rocky coast, when you go around the tip you enter the Cove of Sítio Forte.

★★★★☆ Ponta do Alvo

Also known as Ponta Grossa do Sitio Forte, because it faces the inlet of Sitio Forte. You dive into the structures of an old pier. Around the tip, there is a prominent point known as Alvo. According to the locals, this structure is a nautical radar reflector.

★★★★☆ Costão da Jaconema - Deck Pous Nautilus (Ilha Grd RJ)

Classic rocky coastline dive, with a minimum depth of 4 meters and maximum of 15 meters. This dive can be done by beginners or advanced divers. The night dive is excellent at this point, with a lot of marine life.

★★★★☆ Ponta do Bananal

An excellent option for sheltered and shallow dives, Bananal Cove is very close to shore. It consists of a classic rocky coastline and is an excellent diving spot for beginners.

★★★★☆ Naufrágio Buenos Aires (Wreck)

The Buenos Aires Steam sank in 1890. Point indicated for experienced divers, with wrecks found from 13 meters to 42 meters deep. Common presence of strong surface currents, average temperature of 18 degrees and average visibility of 3 meters.

★★★★☆ Ilha Rasa - Portinho

Good alternative to south-southwest swells, the coast do portinho offers shelter for beginner divers. Moving away towards the sand, one can find depths in the range of 30 meters, enabling the formation of deep diving. Average temperature of 18 degrees and visibility of 3 meters.

★★★★☆ Ilha Rasa - Guincho

Classic costal diving, ideal for less experienced divers. Even so the attention is important, because the depth can reach up to 20 meters between shore and sand. Average annual temperature of 18 degrees and visibility of 3 meters.

Diving in the State of Rio de Janeiro

The State of Rio de Janeiro boasts exceptional dive sites that cater to both shore and liveaboard enthusiasts. Arraial do Cabo is a diver's paradise, known for its clear waters and rich marine biodiversity. Popular shore dive sites include Praia do Forno, where vibrant coral reefs and schools of tropical fish offer unforgettable underwater experiences. Night dives here present a unique chance to witness nocturnal marine life in action.

For wreck diving, Angra dos Reis features the Pinguino, a sunken freighter that attracts a variety of marine species, making it a thrilling exploration for wreck enthusiasts. Ilha Grande, another highlight, offers both shore and boat diving options, with dive spots like Gruta do Acaiá providing dramatic underwater landscapes. Rio de Janeiro's dive scene strikes a perfect balance, offering opportunities for divers of all preferences to explore its aquatic wonders.

The best Months to Dive in the State of Rio de Janeiro

The State of Rio de Janeiro offers diverse diving conditions year-round, but they vary with the seasons. From December to March, the summer months, water temperatures range around 24°C–28°C/75°F–82°F. During these months, visibility can range from 5 to 15 meters/16 to 49 feet. However, the summer also brings the southeast trade winds, which can sometimes affect diving conditions.

In the winter months, from June to September, water temperatures drop to 20°C–23°C/68°F–73°F. Visibility may improve slightly due to calmer seas, often reaching 10 to 20 meters/33 to 66 feet. Diving is possible throughout the year, but the transitional periods of spring and autumn, marked by milder weather and less wind, are particularly favored by divers. Caution is advised during the rainy season, as runoff can reduce visibility.