Scuba diving in Arraial do Cabo: Best spots and prices

Arraial do Cabo is known as the “Brazilian Caribbean,” and it truly rivals the top Caribbean destinations. With white and golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and incredible marine life, scuba diving in Arraial do Cabo is an experience not to be missed. The area’s excellent visibility and welcoming conditions make it perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.

This guide has everything you need to plan your adventure in this beautiful corner of Brazil. We’ll show you the best dive schools and centers in Arraial do Cabo, highlight the top dive sites, break down costs, and share practical tips to help you get the most out of your experience.

What are the best diving centers and schools in Arraial do Cabo?

Arraial do Cabo’s reputation as a diving destination is well deserved. Its crystal-clear waters draw travelers from around the world, and the harbor at Praia dos Anjos is home to some of Brazil’s top dive schools and operators.

They all offer certified instructors, modern equipment, and programs suited to every level, whether you are trying your first dive or an experienced diver looking for certification or to explore shipwrecks.

Many of these schools also offer boat trips and snorkeling, making them a full experience for enjoying the “Brazilian Caribbean.” Let’s take a look at a few of them:

1- SeaQuest Sub Escola de Mergulho

Located at Praia dos Anjos, just steps from the main pier, SeaQuest Sub is one of the most well-known operators in Arraial. They offer beginner dives with photo packages, trips for certified divers, and PADI courses such as Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water.

This dive school in Arraial do Cabo caters both to beginners looking to try diving for the first time and to experienced travelers eager to explore the local marine life. Another perk is that non-diving companions can join the boat trips and enjoy the sea and beaches even if they don’t dive.

2- Dive Point Brasil

Also based in Arraial do Cabo, Dive Point Brasil offers both training and recreational dives following international PADI and SSI standards. Their courses range from beginner levels to advanced certifications and specialties, making it a great choice for divers looking to develop their skills.

In addition to classes, they organize trips for certified divers and offer full equipment rentals. Their focus is on providing thorough training, though they also welcome tourists looking to try their first dive.

3- Deep Trip

Deep Trip is another highly regarded dive school in Arraial do Cabo, praised by students for the personalized attention from its instructors.

They offer guided beginner dives down to eight meters, trips for certified divers, and PADI courses at various levels. Beyond recreational dives, they also organize more technical experiences, such as night dives and wreck explorations, perfect for those looking for something different. Their boats depart from the harbor, allowing divers to combine their underwater adventure with a scenic tour along Arraial’s coastline.

4- Acqua World

With over a decade of experience, Acqua World is another well-known local dive center. Their instructors hold PADI, SSI, and CMAS certifications, offering students a wide range of learning opportunities.

They offer beginner dives, introductory courses, and advanced programs for those looking to progress in diving. They also organize snorkeling trips and boat excursions, making it a great option for mixed groups where not everyone wants to dive.

5- Master Dive Escola de Mergulho

Master Dive is known for the friendly, supportive approach of its instructors, perfect for those who feel a bit nervous taking their first strokes underwater. Their courses range from beginner levels, with a teaching approach suitable for children as young as 10, to more advanced certifications.

They also offer guided dives at Arraial’s main sites. Reviews often highlight the instructors’ patience and dedication, making it a highly recommended school for beginners.

6- Arraial Sub

Arraial Sub is a dive school specializing in PADI courses, offering a wide range of specialties from Nitrox to wreck and deep diving. It’s an ideal spot for experienced divers looking to expand their skills. They also organize guided trips, tailoring each dive to the group’s level.

7- Private Diver

Private Diver stands out for its professional and technical focus, though it also provides experiences for those just starting out in diving.

They operate under SDI (Scuba Diving International) standards and offer courses ranging from Open Water to instructor-level programs. It’s an excellent choice for divers looking to take their skills to the next level, with personalized training and a strong focus on safety and quality.

What are the best diving spots in Arraial do Cabo?

Did you know that Arraial do Cabo is considered Brazil’s diving capital? Alongside its Caribbean-style beaches, this paradise offers ideal conditions for the sport. In terms of numbers, there are over 30 recognized dive sites along its coast and nearby islands. Depending on the dive school and weather conditions, most operate at around 15 to 20 regular spots, including islands, caves, reefs, and wrecks.

Since there are so many, we’ve taken the time to select the best ones, those that for one reason or another offer experiences you are unlikely to forget.

No matter which spot you choose, diving in Arraial do Cabo lets you see everything from schools of tropical fish to turtles, rays, and dolphins, all set against a backdrop of caves, reefs, and shipwrecks. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the most notable dive sites:

1- Ilha dos Porcos

Located near Praia do Forno, this island is a classic diving spot in Arraial. Its calm waters and clear visibility make it perfect for beginner dives, though there are also interesting areas for certified divers.

The marine life here includes parrotfish, sergeant majors, garden eels, and seahorses. Rocky formations and small reefs create passages that are perfect for leisurely exploration. It’s a popular spot because it combines easy access with rich biodiversity.

2- Ponta d’Água

Located at the entrance of Arraial’s cove, this site features deeper waters and is recommended for intermediate and advanced divers. Visibility can exceed 20 meters, making it a spectacular spot for underwater photography.

Typical marine life includes groupers, rays, turtles, and at certain times, schools of barracudas. Its rocky walls and vertical drops provide a more challenging dive, making it appealing to those looking for more than just an introductory experience.

3- Naufragio do cargueiro Askeli

One of the region’s most famous wrecks, the Askeli is an old cargo ship sunk just a few kilometers off the coast. It lies at a moderate depth, making it suitable for intermediate and more experienced divers.

The ship has become an artificial reef, home to moray eels, scorpionfish, groupers, and a wide variety of invertebrates. Exploring its coral- and sponge-covered remains is an exciting experience that blends history with marine life.

4- Gruta Azul

Located on Ilha do Farol, the Gruta Azul is an iconic dive site, famous for the brilliant color of its waters when sunlight hits the cave’s entrance. It isn’t very deep, but it does require good buoyancy control, making it best suited for intermediate divers.

Marine life here includes octopuses, lobsters, butterflyfish, and sea urchins. More than the creatures themselves, the site is known for the beauty of its underwater landscape, leaving unforgettable impressions both to the eye and through photography.

5- Ilha do Farol

Besides the Gruta Azul, Ilha do Farol has several other well-known dive sites. It’s a protected area with controlled access, ensuring clean waters and a high concentration of marine life.

Sea turtles, dolphins, rays, and even seahorses can often be seen here, depending on the season. The clear waters are suitable for divers of all levels, from beginner dives to deeper explorations. Combined with one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches, the natural setting makes for a truly unforgettable experience.

6- Pedra Vermelha

Off the coast of Arraial, Pedra Vermelha is a demanding dive spot best suited for experienced divers. It’s known for its impressive schools of fish and the opportunity to see pelagic species such as tuna and jacks.

The currents here are stronger, adding both challenge and the thrill of a more technical dive. It’s a favorite spot for divers looking for an exciting experience and encounters with species beyond the usual coastal marine life.

Connectivity while diving in Arraial do Cabo

Diving in Arraial do Cabo is an experience you won’t forget, though internet can be spotty. You’ll find WiFi in bars and guesthouses around the town center and Praia dos Anjos, where most dive schools are located. Out on boat trips to the islands and dive sites, however, connectivity is usually limited or unavailable.

To avoid relying on public networks and stay connected at all times, the best option is a Holafly eSIM, which gives you unlimited data across Brazil from the moment you arrive. With it, you can share photos and videos of your dives as soon as you return to the pier, stay in touch with your dive center via WhatsApp, or check real-time sea conditions.

An eSIM is perfect for a short trip. But if you’re planning to spend a longer time in Arraial do Cabo or explore other dive spots in Brazil or across the Americas, Holafly Plans is the smarter choice. The subscription gives you a global eSIM with internet access in over 170 countries, including Brazil, making it ideal for multi-destination trips. You’ll also get unlimited data and connect to the strongest network available wherever you are.

This way, your time in the “Brazilian Caribbean” can be enjoyed above water as well. You will be able to capture and share every moment without worrying about roaming fees or losing your connection.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

How much does it cost to go diving in Arraial do Cabo?

Diving in Arraial do Cabo is more affordable than many people expect. Prices vary depending on the dive school, the type of dive, and what’s included, such as boat transfers, underwater photos, or equipment rental.

On average, an introductory dive costs between R$ 250 and R$ 400 BRL ($50–80), while trips for certified divers typically range from R$ 200 to R$ 350 BRL ($40–70). If your goal is to learn or advance your skills, PADI or SSI certification courses generally cost between R$ 1,800 and R$ 2,500 BRL ($360–500), depending on the level, from Open Water to Advanced or specialty courses.

Here is a table with approximate prices for each type of experience, though keep in mind that rates can vary depending on the season, included extras, and current promotions.

In short, you can opt for an introductory dive to try it out, join regular trips if you are already certified, or take a full course to advance your skills as a diver.

Frequently asked questions about scuba diving in Arraial do Cabo

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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