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Scuba diving in Camboriú: Best spots and prices
Scuba diving in Camboriú is a pleasant surprise. Discover the best schools, prices, and most memorable dive sites.
Balneário Camboriú is often associated with its oceanfront skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife. Yet beyond the city’s energetic image, the area hides a quieter and more surprising world under the water. Scuba diving in Camboriú may not be as famous as in places like Fernando de Noronha or Arraial do Cabo, but it is ideal for first time divers or anyone wanting short, safe dives close to the city.
The Santa Catarina coast, along the South Atlantic, offers warm waters, good visibility in the summer months, and a diverse array of marine life, including tropical fish, starfish, octopuses, and small rays. Its proximity to Bombinhas and Porto Belo also provides more options for those seeking deeper dives or more complex underwater landscapes.
In this guide, you will discover the most reliable dive schools in Camboriú, the top dive sites, average costs, and practical tips to enjoy your diving experience safely and comfortably.
Diving schools in Camboriú – Where they are and how they operate
The main dive operators in Camboriú are based either around Barra Sul and Av. Brasil, offering several urban shore dives, or at Praia de Taquaras along the Interpraias route, which provides quick access to protected sites with better visibility.
Local dive schools offer beginner experiences, international certification courses, and guided dives. They often organize trips to nearby coves like Taquaras and Estaleiro or, when sea conditions allow, venture further to Porto Belo, Bombinhas, and Ilha do Arvoredo.
One thing to keep in mind is that Camboriú has fewer fully local dive schools compared to Bombinhas or Porto Belo. However, the two we highlight below operate year-round, are based in the city itself, and have excellent reviews.
If you are looking for deeper waters or larger reefs, they will often suggest a short trip to Porto Belo, Bombinhas, or Ilha do Arvoredo when conditions allow, with pick-up conveniently from Camboriú.
Tribo da Água Mergulho
Located on Avenida Brasil in Barra Sul, right in the heart of Camboriú, this dive school is a convenient choice if you are staying in the coastal city area. They offer SSI courses ranging from beginner experiences to advanced levels and specialties, along with boat trips to the best sites along the Santa Catarina coast. They work with small groups and provide clear briefings, which is especially helpful if it’s your first time diving.
Thanks to its location and setup, it is ideal for anyone looking to try diving without leaving the city. Certified divers can explore nearby sites like Taquaras and Estaleiro, or venture to Porto Belo or Bombinhas when conditions provide clear visibility.
Bonus tip: in addition to courses, they offer easy beginner dives from Barra Sul, making it a convenient way to enjoy a dive while exploring the city and beaches.
DOB Centro de Mergulho
This dive center is based at Praia de Taquaras (Av. Interpraias, s/n) within Balneário Camboriú. Its location is a major advantage, putting you right on the water and saving you long transfers before heading out to dive.
They offer a wide range of services, including PADI courses (Open Water, Advanced, Nitrox), beginner dives, and guided trips. They also combine diving with light water activities like kayaking and snorkeling, making it a great option if you are traveling with non-divers, such as young children or older adults looking for a more relaxed experience.
DOB Centro de Mergulho is a great choice if you are looking for a local dive school, a more secluded cove atmosphere, and easy beach entry, since Taquaras is usually more sheltered from the wind than the city beaches. As mentioned earlier, if you are traveling with family or a mixed group, you can combine a beginner dive with a short boat trip in the same morning or afternoon, so everyone can enjoy the experience.
Best diving spots in Camboriú and surrounding areas
The coastline of Camboriú holds more underwater beauty than many expect. While it may not be a world-famous diving destination, its sheltered bays, rocky coves, and nearby small islands provide ideal conditions for beginner dives, entry-level courses, and recreational diving.
By the way, if you want to explore other diving destinations in Brazil, here are some ideas:
- Diving in Porto de Galinhas
- Diving in Maragogi
- Diving in Maceió
- Diving in Angra dos Reis
- Diving in Ilha Grande
- Diving in Búzios
Back in Camboriú, the Atlantic waters are warm, ranging from 22°C to 27°C in the summer, and visibility tends to be best from December to March, especially after gentle swells. Here are the top recommended dive sites:
Praia de Taquaras
Location: 9 km south of downtown Balneário Camboriú, inside Interpraias Park.
Recommended level: Beginners and first-timers.
Praia de Taquaras is the heart of diving in Camboriú. Its calm waters and sandy bottom, with rocky formations close to shore, make it the most popular spot for first dives.
Here, you can spot pufferfish, small octopuses, starfish, and soft corals, along with schools of sardines and parrotfish. The conditions are stable and safe, making it ideal for first-time divers or for practicing skills during an Open Water course.
Access is easy, and dive schools usually set up right on the sand or just steps from the water, making the whole experience relaxed and hassle-free.
Praia do Estaleiro
Location: 12 km south of Camboriú, along the Interpraias route.
Recommended level: Beginners and intermediate.
With slightly deeper waters and a rocky environment, Estaleiro is the next step for those seeking a bit more adventure. Its underwater formations are home to surgeonfish, crabs, small rays, and brightly colored nudibranchs.
When visibility is good, around 15 meters, Estaleiro stands out as one of the region’s most photogenic dive sites. The underwater landscape combines sandy patches, rocky formations, and old fishing gear that has become a haven for fish.
The beach is beautiful, quiet, and surrounded by Atlantic vegetation. Without the crowds, it’s easy to enjoy a full day of diving and relaxing.
Ilha das Cabras
Location: Opposite Praia Central de Camboriú, 800 meters from the coast.
Recommended level: All levels.
The rocky islet visible from the waterfront is a small symbol of the city and also an interesting dive site. Trips depart by short boat ride from Barra Sul, with dives around the island at depths ranging from six to twelve meters.
The seabed is a mix of sand, rock, and algae. While the marine life is modest compared to other destinations, you can spot damselfish, sea urchins, rays, seahorses, and juvenile turtles. It’s a great option for a quick beginner dive or a convenient city dive.
Ilha do Arvoredo (departures from Camboriú)
Location: Marine Biological Reserve, opposite Bombinhas, about 35 km from Balneário Camboriú.
Recommended level: All levels, perfect for intermediate levels.
Although it belongs to a different municipality, Ilha do Arvoredo is the top diving spot in Santa Catarina and is often visited from Camboriú. Local dive schools usually arrange combined transfers, about a 90-minute trip, giving visitors in Camboriú the chance to enjoy a truly exceptional diving experience.
The area is protected as a Marine Biological Reserve, ensuring clean waters, excellent visibility of 20 meters or more, and marine life that includes butterflyfish, groupers, octopuses, rays, turtles, and, in season, seahorses.
Some of the best-known spots in the area include Baía do Farol, Saco do Vidal, and Ponta da Sela, all featuring moderate depths and underwater landscapes of coral, rock, and sand. It’s a must-visit for divers with some experience who want to take their Camboriú dives to the next level.
Ilha de Porto Belo
Location: 40 km from Camboriú, accessible by road and short boat ride.
Recommended level: All levels.
This island, located just off the city of the same name, is another classic spot for diving trips from Camboriú. Its sheltered bay features clear waters, gentle currents, and an abundance of tropical fish, soft corals, and sea anemones.
Dives are typically between six and fifteen meters, with pleasant water temperatures and good visibility for most of the summer. It’s perfect for those who want to combine a day out with one or two easygoing dives.
Ilha do Arquipélago das Graças (between Porto Belo and Bombinhas)
Location: Between the coasts of Porto Belo and Bombinhas.
Recommended level: Intermediate/advanced.
For certified divers seeking a bit more excitement, this small cluster of islets features vertical walls, shallow caves, and more active marine life, including eagle rays, moray eels, scorpionfish, and sea turtles.
Currents can be moderate, so some diving experience is recommended. On days with good visibility, up to 20 meters, the underwater scenery is stunning, featuring large sponges and corals in vibrant orange hues.
In short, Balneário Camboriú and its surroundings offer accessible, diverse, and well-organized dives, perfect for beginners or anyone looking to dive without straying far from the city. And on days when the water is exceptionally clear, diving near Ilha das Cabras or heading out to Arvoredo can be one of those unforgettable experiences that change the way you see the Atlantic.
Connectivity in Camboriú: the luxury of being connected by the sea
Unlike more remote diving destinations, Camboriú offers the perfect mix of sea and city without sacrificing comfort. You can spend the morning diving near Ilha das Cabras and the afternoon sharing your adventure from the waterfront with perfect connectivity.
Connectivity is one of the strong points of this beach town. 4G and 5G coverage reaches nearly the entire coast, from Barra Norte to Interpraias, and most bars, cafes, and hotels offer free WiFi.
If you want to stay connected throughout your trip without relying on WiFi, a Holafly eSIM for Brazil can be the perfect solution. It allows you to connect to the internet right when you arrive at Navegantes or Florianópolis airport, with no need for a physical SIM or any complications.
If you plan to combine remote work with diving along the Brazilian coast or traveling to other destinations in the Americas, Holafly Plans can be a better choice. You get a global eSIM that works in over 160 countries, including many spots across the continent, letting you stay connected without limits. You can choose between 25 GB or unlimited data and enjoy a stable connection at all times. And when you want to cancel your monthly plan, it’s simple and hassle-free.
In Camboriú, tech and tourism go hand in hand. The ocean invites you to switch off, but the city makes it easy to plug back in whenever you want. Between a dive and a sunset along Avenida Atlântica, you get the best of both worlds: the calm of the sea and the speed of a solid 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 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Cost of diving in Camboriú
Camboriú is one of the easiest places in southern Brazil to try diving. You do not need to travel far or spend a lot to get underwater here. There are no remote islands or complicated plans. The ocean, the dive schools, and everything you need are right there, which makes the whole experience simple and easygoing.
Most dive schools bundle everything together, from the gear and the ride to the guidance and basic insurance, so you can focus entirely on the experience. Prices shift with the season, especially in January, carnival and long weekends, and also depend on where you decide to dive. You can keep it simple with a quick dip at Ilha das Cabras, head down the Interpraias coast, or join a boat trip out to Porto Belo or Arvoredo.
Below is a reference for average prices:
| Type of experience or course | Featured center | Approximate price (BRL / USD) | Includes | Recommended level |
| Discover Scuba Diving | Tribo da Água / DOB Dive Center | 450–600 BRL ($90–120) | Theory instruction, full equipment, and 1 guided dive | Beginners |
| Double dive (2 tanks) | Tribo da Água / DOB | 650–850 BRL ($130–170) | 2 dives, boat, snack, and certified guide | Certificates |
| Open Water Diver Course (PADI/SSI certification) | Tribo da Água | BRL 2,800–3,200 ($560–640) | Materials, 4 dives, theory, and international certification | Beginners |
| Advanced Open Water Diver Course | DOB Dive Center | 3,200–3,600 BRL ($640–720) | 5 themed dives, theory, and certification | Intermediate |
| Diving excursion to Ilha do Arvoredo (full day) | Tribo da Água / Porto Belo Dive | BRL 1,000–1,300 ($200–260) | Land and sea transfer, 2 dives, and refreshments | Certificates |
| Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diving Course | Tribo da Água | BRL 1,200–1,400 ($240–280) | Materials, theory, and practice with Nitrox mixtures | Intermediate |
| Night diving (depending on conditions) | DOB Centro de Mergulho | BRL 800–1,000 ($160–200) | 1 dive, flashlight, guide, and full equipment | Certificates |
| Private dive with personal instructor | Tribo da Água | BRL 950–1,200 ($190–240) | 1 exclusive dive with 1:1 accompaniment | All levels |
If you plan to dive more than once, many centers offer discounted packs of three to five dives. You can also take advantage of your stay to get certified, the Open Water Diver course can be finished in just three or four days.
As you can tell, diving in Camboriú is incredibly approachable. It’s great for first timers, for anyone who’s simply curious, or for those who want to get a few dives in without straying from the comfort of the city. And when the day winds down, nothing beats enjoying a caipirinha while looking out at one of the most striking skylines in southern Brazil.
Frequently asked questions about scuba diving in Camboriú
Yes, though the best time to dive is from November to March, when the water is warmer and visibility is much better. In winter, conditions can be affected by colder Atlantic currents, but dive centers generally continue operating as long as the weather allows.
Dives usually depart from Praia de Taquaras, Estaleiro, or just off Ilha das Cabras, right in front of the main beach. For a more complete experience, schools also organize half-day trips to Ilha do Arvoredo or Porto Belo, where the water is clearer and the marine life more diverse.
No. Most people diving in Camboriú are doing it for the first time. Introductory dives are led by certified instructors in very safe, shallow areas. If you enjoy it, you can continue with an Open Water Diver course to earn your international certification.
Even though there are no coral reefs, the seafloor is full of life, with tropical fish, octopuses, small rays, starfish, and seahorses. On trips out to Arvoredo, it’s also possible to spot turtles and schools of jacks.
Typically, a dive day includes two dives, one in the morning and another in the afternoon, depending on the sea conditions. Courses usually consist of four to five dives spread over several days, depending on the level you are taking.
Yes, but with a different kind of expectation. Camboriú does not compete with the major dive destinations, instead it offers a relaxed, urban and convenient experience. It is perfect for keeping your skills sharp or testing new gear without going far. On top of that, its proximity to Bombinhas and Arvoredo makes it easy to explore more advanced sites all in one trip.
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