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Scuba diving in Bombinhas: Best spots and prices
Scuba diving in Bombinhas offers an unparalleled experience thanks to its proximity to the Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve. Keep reading!
Famous for its calm, crystal-clear beaches, Bombinhas has earned a privileged spot on Brazil’s diving map. Scuba diving in Bombinhas attracts thousands of visitors each year, whether they’re trying the sport for the first time or looking to enjoy immersive experiences in a protected natural setting. Located in the state of Santa Catarina, its coastline combines white sand, lush Atlantic forest, and a sea renowned for its impressively rich marine life.
To help you plan your diving experience in Bombinhas, we’ve put together a complete guide featuring the best dive centers and schools, the most recommended spots to explore, and the typical costs of the activity. With clear and up-to-date information, you’ll be able to choose the dive that best matches your expectations and experience level.
What are the main diving centers and schools in Bombinhas?
Bombinhas is known as Brazil’s “capital of ecological diving,” a title it officially received in 2013 thanks to its rich marine biodiversity and its proximity to the Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve.
These ideal conditions have helped turn the city into a hub for reputable dive schools and operators known for their expertise, safety standards, and love for the ocean. Whether you’re planning your very first dive or aiming to continue with internationally recognized certifications, you’ll find plenty of trustworthy options that divers consistently recommend. Here are a few of the top choices:
1- Submarine Escola de Mergulho
With over 30 years of experience, Submarine is one of the most established dive operators in Bombinhas. Its main base is just steps from Bombinhas Beach and even includes a training pool where beginners can get comfortable before heading out to the ocean.
They offer a wide range of options, from introductory dives for complete beginners to outings for certified divers and courses that go from basic training all the way to professional levels. They guide new divers step by step and provide all the assistance needed to help them feel confident in the water.
2- Patadacobra Mergulho & Turismo
Located in the heart of Bombinhas, Patadacobra stands out as a PADI 5-Star Dive Center, ensuring internationally recognized teaching standards. Their offerings range from introductory dives and Open Water Diver courses to advanced programs and specialties such as Nitrox, underwater photography, and deep diving.
They also run marine conservation activities, which are highly appreciated by those who want to learn while making a positive impact on the environment. Their programs cater both to tourists looking for a unique experience and to locals aiming to become professional divers.
3- Ohana Dive Escola de Mergulho
Ohana Dive has established itself as a dynamic, modern dive school in Bombinhas. They offer introductory dives for first-timers, training courses such as Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster, as well as guided dives for certified divers.
Their team is known for providing personalized attention and flexibility, tailoring each dive to the student’s skill level. A great bonus is that they also organize trips that combine diving with boat tours, perfect for groups where not everyone wants to go underwater.
4- Paraíso das Tartarugas
This is the only dive center in Bombinhas operating under the NAUI system, one of the world’s most recognized diving certification organizations alongside PADI and SSI. They offer the basic Open Water Scuba Diver course, as well as specialties like Nitrox, rescue, and night diving.
Their approach focuses strongly on progressive learning and safety, guiding each student from their first dives all the way to advanced levels. Many of their trips center on spotting sea turtles, making it an ideal choice for those who want to combine training with unforgettable experiences in the waters of Bombinhas.
What are the main diving spots in Bombinhas?
Bombinhas has earned its reputation as Brazil’s ecological diving capital, and it also offers some of the most stunning underwater scenery in the southern region. Its prime attraction is being close to the Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve, where protected waters teem with marine life.
What sets Bombinhas apart is its variety of dive sites, catering to everyone, from first-timers seeking beginner friendly dives to seasoned divers ready to explore wrecks and deeper underwater landscapes.
Below are the highlights of the region:
1- Ilha do Arvoredo
Regarded as the heart of diving in Bombinhas, Ilha do Arvoredo is a protected area where fishing is prohibited, preserving its unique biodiversity. Its crystal-clear waters are home to green turtles, giant groupers, rays, dolphins, seahorses, and schools of tropical fish.
The island offers a variety of dive sites suitable for both beginners and advanced divers, with depths ranging from six to 30 meters. Its beauty and abundant marine life make it the most popular spot for local dive centers.
2- Naufragio Lili
Just a few kilometers off the coast lies Naufragio Lili, a sunken fishing boat that has become an artificial reef. Covered with corals, sponges, and algae, it attracts a wide variety of marine life, including moray eels, scorpionfish, octopuses, and seahorses.
Exploring the wreck is an incredible experience, especially for certified Open Water divers, as it sits at around 20 meters deep. The dive is moderately challenging, making it perfect for those looking to take the next step in their diving skills.
3- Praia da Sepultura
Located in the heart of Bombinhas, Praia da Sepultura is known for its calm, shallow waters. It’s one of the best spots for beginner dives and snorkeling, thanks to its easy access and the large schools of fish that gather around the rocks.
You’ll often see parrotfish, sergeant majors, damselfish, and tiny sardine schools that sometimes swim right up to snorkelers. Its calm waters make it a top choice for families and beginners who want to enjoy the underwater world without any demanding conditions.
4- Praia de Quatro Ilhas
With its white sands and clear waters, Quatro Ilhas is a beach that blends natural beauty with ideal conditions for easy diving. Its rocky bottoms are home to colorful fish, small rays, octopuses, and sea urchins, promising fun encounters on every dive.
It’s a great spot for beginners and recreational divers, thanks to its generally calm waters and lack of strong currents. It’s also ideal for combining snorkeling and diving in a single outing.
5- Costão de Bombinhas
At the far end of Praia de Bombinhas lies the rocky headland, perfect for short, easy dives. Its moderate depth offers close encounters with lobsters, sea urchins, small reef fish, and marine sponges.
It’s a popular spot for dive schools to conduct beginner training, offering both easy access and an engaging natural environment. It’s perfect for those experiencing their first dives in a safe, close-to-shore setting.
6- Ilha de Galés
Part of the archipelago near Arvoredo, Ilha de Galés is another favorite spot for more experienced divers. Eagle rays, groupers, angelfish, and occasionally dolphins that follow the boats can be seen here.
The dive is moderately challenging, as currents can be stronger than at other sites, but the payoff is an incredible display of marine life in a nearly untouched setting. It’s also a favorite spot for underwater photographers, thanks to the abundant species and clear waters.
Connectivity in Bombinhas with Holafly
Bombinhas is the kind of place that makes you want to unplug, with its peaceful beaches, green trails, and crystal-clear waters perfect for diving. Still, when you’re there, you’ll often need to stay connected to arrange boat trips, check the sea conditions, or stay in touch with your dive school.
You can usually find WiFi in hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants in the town center, but it’s often unreliable on more remote beaches or during trips out to Ilha do Arvoredo. After a day of diving, it’s frustrating not being able to share your underwater photos or let someone know about a schedule change.
That’s why having a Holafly eSIM with unlimited data in Brazil is the perfect solution. It keeps you connected from the moment you arrive, without relying on public WiFi or worrying about roaming charges.
If your diving adventures go beyond Bombinhas and you are planning to explore other spots in the Americas, a Holafly plan is the easiest way to stay connected. The Unlimited Plan gives you unlimited data, global coverage in over 170 countries, and hotspot access with no limits, all for $64.90 per month.
With Holafly, you can book excursions on the go, coordinate with your group in real time, and upload those unforgettable diving photos as soon as you get back to shore.
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 dive in Bombinhas?
Diving in Bombinhas offers the perfect mix of affordable prices and a unique marine environment in Brazil. Most dive schools provide all-inclusive packages that cover boat transfers, equipment, and instructor guidance, making it easy for tourists to enjoy the experience without worrying about the logistics.
On average, an introductory dive in the area costs between R$250 and R$400 (around $50–80), depending on the operator and whether underwater photos or videos are included. Trips for certified divers are usually a bit cheaper, ranging from R$200 to R$300 ($40–60).
If you want to take your diving to the next level, certification courses like Open Water Diver typically cost between R$1,800 and R$2,300 ($360–460), while advanced programs or specialties such as Nitrox or night diving can go up to around R$2,500 ($500).
The following table summarizes the most common prices you will find in Bombinhas:
| School/Center | Activity or Course | Estimated Price (BRL) | Estimated Price (USD) |
| Submarine | Introductory dive with adaptation pool | R$ 350 BRL | $70 |
| Patadacobra | Open Water Diver Course (PADI) | R$ 2,000 BRL | $400 |
| Ohana Dive | Certified diver outing | R$ 250 BRL | $50 |
| Paraíso das Tartarugas | NAUI basic course + specialty | R$ 2,300 BRL | $460 |
Overall, Bombinhas offers the chance to dive in for a relatively low cost with an introductory course, or to use your stay to earn a certification at one of Brazil’s highly regarded dive schools, all amid some of the country’s most vibrant coastal marine life.
Frequently asked questions about diving in Bombinhas
Bombinhas stands out for its proximity to the Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve, a protected area where fishing is banned. This ensures clean waters and a level of marine biodiversity that’s hard to find elsewhere along Brazil’s coast.
Yes, although the clearest conditions are usually from October to March, when the sea is calmer and the temperatures are more comfortable. Diving is still possible in winter, but the water tends to be a bit cooler.
During dives in Bombinhas, you can encounter all kinds of marine life, from sea turtles and rays to giant groupers, seahorses, and large schools of tropical fish. At specific spots like Naufragio Lili, it’s also common to see moray eels and other species that inhabit artificial reefs.
No. Many local dive schools offer introductory dives designed specifically for people who have never tried it before. These experiences take place in controlled settings with instructors guiding you every step of the way.
Absolutely. Besides diving, beaches like Sepultura and Quatro Ilhas are perfect for snorkeling and family activities. Many dive operators also allow non-diving companions to join boat trips.
Yes. The best known is the Naufragio Lili, which offers a different experience from the reefs and is suitable for intermediate divers and above.
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