Rio de Janeiro city
The oceanic islands of Rio de Janeiro are the perfect location for divers to observe and photograph many different species of fish.
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
Dive Activity
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.
Top Wildlife Sightings in the State of Rio de Janeiro
The coastal waters of the State of Rio de Janeiro boast a rich diversity of marine life, attracting divers from around the world. Among the vibrant reefs, snorkelers and divers commonly encounter species such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. The colorful coral formations provide a picturesque backdrop for these typical reef inhabitants, making them a frequent sight for those exploring the underwater landscapes. Seasonal highlights include the chance to see larger marine creatures. Depending on the time of year, divers might spot green sea turtles gliding gracefully through these waters, particularly during their nesting season. Rays, including the impressive spotted eagle rays, are often seen cruising along sandy patches near the reefs. Additionally, shark sightings, such as the nurse shark or the occasional hammerhead, tend to increase during the warmer months, offering an exhilarating experience for those lucky enough to encounter them. The probability of witnessing these seasonal highlights increases in protected marine areas, known for their rich biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
763 Sightings
J
48
F
37
M
75
A
75
M
61
J
66
J
46
A
85
S
51
O
77
N
93
D
49
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
262 Sightings
J
25
F
13
M
42
A
27
M
26
J
23
J
18
A
16
S
11
O
19
N
23
D
19
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
259 Sightings
J
27
F
8
M
25
A
43
M
5
J
11
J
31
A
49
S
5
O
12
N
34
D
9
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
160 Sightings
J
1
F
4
M
19
A
29
M
28
J
17
J
16
A
25
S
2
O
13
N
5
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
109 Sightings
J
1
F
8
M
6
A
0
M
12
J
6
J
24
A
13
S
1
O
12
N
24
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish
544 Sightings
J
30
F
60
M
65
A
50
M
28
J
32
J
44
A
52
S
28
O
40
N
87
D
28
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
365 Sightings
J
38
F
11
M
46
A
0
M
48
J
29
J
24
A
54
S
17
O
17
N
67
D
14
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 20
iStock-stephankerkhofs
Porcupinefish
322 Sightings
J
28
F
36
M
48
A
25
M
31
J
18
J
13
A
1
S
32
O
35
N
36
D
19
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 85
iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish
246 Sightings
J
18
F
15
M
24
A
10
M
7
J
28
J
14
A
28
S
15
O
20
N
60
D
7
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 120
AdobeStock-Composer.
Flounder
239 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
14
A
35
M
28
J
34
J
27
A
41
S
18
O
11
N
28
D
0
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.
