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Scuba diving in Fernando de Noronha: Best spots and prices
Scuba diving in Fernando de Noronha is one of the most highly rated experiences in Brazil. Find out everything you need to know!
The natural beauty of Fernando de Noronha is undeniable. But not all of its magic happens above the surface. Underwater, a stunning array of marine life turns every dive into a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s no surprise that scuba diving in Fernando de Noronha has become one more perfect excuse to explore this gorgeous archipelago in northern Brazil.
Tucked away in the state of Pernambuco, Fernando de Noronha is a true treasure for anyone who loves diving. We have already taken you through the underwater worlds of Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Porto de Galinhas and Arraial do Cabo, and now it is time for this northern Brazilian paradise to step into the spotlight. You might be surprised to know it is also one of Brazil’s favorite spots for surfing. In the end, Fernando de Noronha truly seems to offer more than you could ask for.
Hold on a second and grab a pen because you are about to dive into the ultimate guide to exploring Fernando de Noronha underwater. We break down the best dive schools to train with, whether you are trying it for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, and we highlight the top spots you should not miss. You will also find a clear rundown of what everything costs so you can decide if this island is the right match for your next underwater adventure.
What are the best diving schools in Fernando de Noronha?
There’s a reason diving in Fernando de Noronha feels so special. Much of the archipelago is part of the Marine National Park, one of the most pristine ecosystems in the South Atlantic. Its 21 islands remain largely untouched, making them perfect for travelers who want a true connection with nature. The crystal clear water gives you front-row access to sea turtles, dolphins, rays and countless other species that thrive in the warm waters of the region.
The island has just a handful of authorized dive schools, all staffed with experienced instructors, equipped with their own boats, and using modern gear, operating under PADI or SSI standards. Most dives depart from Porto de Santo Antônio, and just a few minutes by boat brings you to an underwater world where visibility exceeds 40 meters and the deep blue stretches as far as the eye can see.
Some dive centers cater to first-timers, while others focus on certified divers eager to explore the wreck of the Corveta Ipiranga (V-17) or the deep dives at Mar de Fora.
Next, we’ll introduce you to the most reputable dive schools in Fernando de Noronha, what sets each apart, and why one of them might be the perfect fit for you. Keep in mind that to dive within the Marine National Park, you’ll need to pay access fees and the island’s daily conservation tax, both managed by the local authorities.
Now let’s see which are the best diving centers and schools in Fernando de Noronha.
1- Atlantis Divers
Established on the island since the 1990s, Atlantis Divers is one of the most well-known names in Noronha. Their base is in Vila dos Remédios, just a few minutes from the port, and they operate their own fleet of boats specially equipped for diving.
They offer PADI courses that cover everything from beginner dives to advanced levels, along with specialties such as deep diving, nitrox, and underwater photography. What really makes them stand out is their setup with small groups, multilingual instruction, and a crew that knows every corner of the park.
Daily trips take divers to classic sites like Pedras Secas, Ressurreta, and the famous V-17, a well-preserved wreck sitting 62 meters deep. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a professional, safe experience with the peace of mind that comes from being in the hands of one of the most experienced dive teams in the country.
2- Noronha Diver
With over thirty years of experience, Noronha Diver blends tradition with a personal touch. Their center, situated between Praia do Cachorro and Vila dos Remédios, keeps the spirit of the island’s early diving pioneers alive, offering personalized attention, local instructors, and a deep respect for the marine environment.
They offer PADI and NAUI courses, dives for all levels, and special trips to Mar de Fora, the outer coast that faces the open ocean between Africa and Europe, where pelagic life such as manta rays, sharks, and green turtles takes center stage.
Noronha Diver is perfect for those who value the human side of diving as much as the technical. The instructors teach about currents, marine life behavior, and the stories behind the archipelago.
3- Águas Claras Dive Center
Águas Claras is the kind of dive school that divers rave about. With more than 25 years on the island, they operate from a base near Boldró, one of Noronha’s highest spots, offering daily dives in the calm waters of Mar de Dentro as well as the more adventurous Mar de Fora.
They offer PADI courses for all levels, beginner dives, specialty courses, and technical diving with nitrox and trimix. What sets them apart is their close guidance and the ability to tailor each dive to match the pace and experience of every diver.
The team is known for being both warm and professional, making it perfect for those who want to mix learning, adventure, and safety while still enjoying the relaxed vibe of Noronha.
4- Sea Paradise Noronha
Sea Paradise is located close to Porto de Santo Antônio and may be one of the newest dive schools on the island, but it has quickly earned a solid reputation for its friendly and adaptable approach.
They offer boat-based beginner dives, PADI courses, and guided trips to the park’s main sites, including the V-17 wreck and the reefs at Pedras Secas. With small groups, divers can take their time and fully enjoy every detail of the underwater environment.
It is an excellent option for travelers who want to get started in diving or for those who prefer a more personalized and intimate experience.
There aren’t many dive schools on Fernando de Noronha, but each has its own charm. Atlantis Divers stands out for its comprehensive setup, Noronha Diver for its welcoming, family-like atmosphere, Águas Claras for its mix of experience and skill, and Sea Paradise for the warmth and energy of its young, enthusiastic team.
No matter which school you pick, they all share one goal: to immerse you in a vibrant, protected ocean so clear and full of life that the world above the surface fades away.
What are the main diving spots in Fernando de Noronha?
Because much of the archipelago is protected by the Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park, diving here goes far beyond a typical tourist experience. Unlike other destinations where reefs have been damaged by too many visitors, Noronha remains in balance, carefully managed under strict conservation rules.
That protection shows in the crystal-clear waters, untouched coral, and abundant marine life visible all year round. Rays, turtles, sharks, dolphins, and colorful schools of fish accompany divers on every dive. It’s no wonder the archipelago has been named a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, placing it among the top diving destinations on the planet.
With visibility often exceeding 40 meters and average water temperatures around 27 °C, Fernando de Noronha offers more than 25 dive sites, spread between Mar de Dentro and Mar de Fora. Here are some of the most spectacular ones:
1- Pedras Secas
Depth: 8 to 25 meters
Recommended level: Intermediate to advanced
Arguably the most iconic dive site in Fernando de Noronha, Pedras Secas features a network of tunnels, crevices, and natural arches covered in colorful corals and sponges. Divers can often encounter green turtles, eagle rays, angelfish, groupers, and moray eels hiding among the rocks.
Its unique topography makes it a fantastic spot for underwater photography, with light filtering through the crevices to create an almost surreal landscape. The current can be moderate, so some prior diving experience is recommended.
2- Caverna da Sapata
Depth: 15 to 35 meters
Recommended level: Advanced
Located at the western tip of the main island, Caverna da Sapata is as stunning as it is challenging. The cave entrance sits around 24 meters deep, reflecting the level of experience required for this dive, and inside it is covered with vibrant orange corals and sponges.
Around the cave, divers often encounter schools of barracudas, reef sharks, and manta rays. Visibility is usually excellent, though currents can change with the season. This dive is recommended for certified divers with some experience in caves or enclosed environments.
3- Corveta Ipiranga (V-17)
Depth: 20 to 62 meters
Recommended level: Advanced/technical
The V-17 is one of Brazil’s most famous wrecks. It was a Brazilian Navy corvette that sank in 1983 after hitting a rock. Today, it rests upright on a sandy bottom and serves as a home for giant groupers, lionfish, rays, and green moray eels.
As you descend, you can explore the ship’s various decks, which are remarkably well preserved. It’s a deep dive suitable only for experienced or technical divers, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most impressive wrecks in South America.
4- Ressurreta
Depth: 8 to 18 meters
Recommended level: All levels
Perfect for beginners or as a second dive of the day, Ressurreta is a lively reef teeming with parrotfish, turtles, and brain corals. The currents are gentle and visibility often exceeds 30 meters, making it an ideal spot to relax or practice buoyancy.
Along the way, it’s common to encounter barracudas, rays, and small reef sharks, showing that even Noronha’s calmer dive sites are bursting with marine life.
5- Buraco das Cabras
Depth: 10 to 25 meters
Recommended level: Intermediate
Buraco das Cabras is a striking site known for its unique terrain. The rock formations form a natural corridor that opens into a wide underwater crevice. The walls are covered with sponges and soft corals, while the sandy bottom is often alive with schools of small fish weaving through the water.
It’s an excellent spot to see eagle rays and hawksbill turtles, especially in the early morning when the angled sunlight turns the water into a deep, vivid blue.
6- Cagarras
Depth: 10 to 20 meters
Recommended level: All levels
Situated in Mar de Dentro, Cagarras is one of the most accessible and colorful sites in the park. Its sandy bottom and large coral formations make it ideal for beginners or leisurely dives.
Marine life is abundant here, with trumpetfish, octopuses, lobsters, and small reef sharks appearing regularly. It’s also an excellent spot for macro photography.
7- Iuias
Depth: 6 to 15 meters
Recommended level: Beginners
Iuias is the perfect spot for a first dive or for easing back into diving after a break. It’s known for its calm waters, excellent visibility, and soft corals teeming with life.
Instructors often pick this site for beginner courses because it offers both safety and stunning scenery. Along the way, it’s common to spot turtles resting on the sand or rays gliding slowly among the corals.
8- Laje dos Irmãos
Depth: 15 to 30 meters
Recommended level: Intermediate to advanced
Located near the islet group known as Dois Irmãos, this site offers some of the most photogenic underwater scenery in Noronha. Vertical walls draped with corals and gorgonians are patrolled by sharks, groupers, and eagle rays.
When the current allows it, it becomes a spectacular drift dive, with a perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty.
9- Canoa Quebrada
Depth: 10 to 20 meters
Recommended level: All levels
Canoa Quebrada is a versatile site, perfect for those looking for a relaxed dive with a chance to see larger marine life. It features shallow reefs alongside sandy areas where rays, turtles, and pufferfish often rest.
The contrast of light and shadow between the rocks makes it an excellent spot for underwater photography.
Fernando de Noronha not only offers an incredible variety of dive sites but also a sense of exclusivity that makes every dive feel truly special.
How can I get internet access in Fernando de Noronha?
Fernando de Noronha is the kind of place where unplugging comes naturally. Located over 500 kilometers from the mainland, the islands have limited connectivity, and while a few spots get signal, it hardly matters.
In the heart of Vila dos Remédios, near Porto de Santo Antônio, you can find some 4G and WiFi at hotels or cafés. But once you head out to beaches like Sancho, Cacimba do Padre, or Leão, your phone practically goes into airplane mode on its own. And underwater, of course, the only sound you’ll hear is the bubbles from your regulator.
That doesn’t mean you have to be completely offline. If you want to check maps, coordinate trips, or share an epic photo, the easiest way is to arrive with a Holafly eSIM for Brazil. It provides unlimited mobile data for the duration of your trip, even before you land in Recife or Natal, the cities where flights to the island depart.
If you’re planning to stay on the island for a while while working remotely or to visit other diving spots in South America, the best option is to get a monthly unlimited data plan. It’s ideal because it not only provides internet in Brazil but also in over 160 countries, covering nearly every destination in the Americas. This way, you can keep diving around the world without ever losing connection.
Staying connected in Fernando de Noronha isn’t about scrolling through notifications. It’s about being able to share a sunset from a cliff, work from the beach, or give a heads-up before your first dive with turtles.
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! 🚀🌍
How much does diving cost in Fernando de Noronha?
Diving in Fernando de Noronha is as unique as the environment itself, and that is reflected in the cost. Being a protected archipelago with limited access makes logistics a bit more expensive than in other parts of Brazil. Still, the price is more than worth it, thanks to crystal-clear waters with over 40 meters of visibility, abundant marine life, small dive groups, and personalized attention that ensures both safety and comfort.
Prices usually cover boat transfers, full equipment, a certified guide, environmental fees, and snacks on board. Dives are scheduled based on sea conditions, whether in Mar de Dentro or Mar de Fora, and dive centers adjust the routes daily to take advantage of the best visibility.
Below are the approximate prices, based on the main operators on the island:
| Type of experience or course | Featured center | Approximate price (BRL / USD) | Includes | Recommended level |
| Discover Scuba Diving | Sea Paradise / Águas Claras | 950–1,200 BRL ($190–240) | Basic instruction, full equipment, one dive, and boat transfer | Beginners |
| Double dive (2 tanks) | Atlantis Divers / Noronha Diver | BRL 1,200–1,400 ($240–280) | Two guided dives, boat, snack, and PADI guide | Certificates |
| PADI Open Water Diver Course | Atlantis Divers | 3,500–3,800 BRL ($700–760) | Four dives, materials, certification, and full equipment | Beginners |
| Advanced Open Water Diver Course | Águas Claras Dive Center | 3,800–4,200 BRL ($760–840) | Five themed dives, theory, and certification | Intermediate |
| Dive on the Corveta Ipiranga (V-17) shipwreck | Atlantis Divers / Noronha Diver | BRL 1,500–1,800 ($300–360) | One guided deep dive with nitrox or air + specialized boat | Advanced / Technical |
| Photo or video dive with personalized recording | Atlantis Divers | BRL 1,000–1,300 ($200–260) | One dive + professional HD recording and editing | All levels |
| Nitrox (enriched air) course | Águas Claras / Noronha Diver | BRL 1,200–1,400 ($240–280) | Materials, theory, and practice with nitrox mixes | Intermediate |
| Night dive (depending on conditions) | Sea Paradise | BRL 1,000–1,200 ($200–240) | One guided night dive, flashlight, and full equipment | Certified divers |
In Noronha, you won’t find haggling or last-minute discounts since prices are set by the Marine Park and daily dive slots are limited. To make sure you get a spot, it’s wise to book a few days ahead, especially during the high season from December to March and in July.
Diving in Fernando de Noronha may not be the most affordable, but it offers unmatched value for every minute spent underwater. You are not just booking a dive, you are experiencing a protected natural haven that many see as the Atlantic’s most untouched paradise.
Frequently asked questions about diving in Fernando de Noronha
Yes. Diving conditions are excellent year-round, but visibility and dive experiences vary with the season. From August to February, Mar de Dentro, the sheltered side, offers calmer and clearer waters. From March to July, Mar de Fora takes the spotlight, with stronger currents and pelagic species like manta rays and sharks.
Fernando de Noronha is a natural wonder. On a single dive, you can encounter green turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks, dolphins, barracudas, and moray eels. The reefs are also full of colorful tropical fish and well-preserved corals. And if you’re lucky, you might even come across a lemon shark or a giant manta ray.
Yes. Because the area is protected, ICMBio (Instituto Chico Mendes) regulates every dive and sets the daily limit on how many trips each operator can run. This helps maintain the ecosystem and stops people from overexploiting the reefs.
The best time is from September to January, when the sea is calmer and visibility reaches its peak, sometimes up to 50 meters. Water temperatures are also ideal, around 27 °C, and dive centers have more availability for courses and certifications.
It depends. There are spots suitable for all levels, from beginners to technical divers. Conditions are generally safe, but currents in Mar de Fora can be strong, especially at places like Caverna da Sapata or Laje dos Irmãos. Local instructors choose the dive sites each day based on the group’s experience and the tides.
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