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Scuba diving in Florianopolis: Best spots and prices
Scuba diving in Florianópolis guide for an underwater adventure: the best schools, courses, and dive spots on the island.
Can you imagine diving into clear waters while bright fish, reefs and shipwrecks surround you? Scuba diving in Florianopolis, also known as “the island of magic”, delivers one of the most fascinating experiences in southern Brazil. Its mix of idyllic beaches, rich marine life and strong tourist infrastructure turns it into an ideal destination for travellers seeking a unique underwater adventure.
Throughout this article, we’ll guide you through everything you must know before diving. We’ll cover the best diving centres and schools in Florianópolis, the top dive sites you shouldn’t miss and, of course, a full look at the activity costs so you can plan your trip without surprises.
What are the main diving centres and courses in Florianópolis?
If you want to start or improve your underwater skills, Florianópolis offers specialised centres for every level. Most centres operate near Lagoa da Conceição, Canasvieiras and Barra da Lagoa, which sit close to the best dive sites.
Diving centres in Florianópolis offer beginner try-dives and advanced excursions. Moreover, mobile schools operate during high season and organise trips to Ilha do Arvoredo, the biggest marine sanctuary in Santa Catarina.
The training offer stays varied. If it’s your first time, you can start with a discover scuba dive, a guided session lasting a couple of hours, perfect for newcomers. If you want more, the centres teach the Open Water Diver course (PADI or SSI), which lets you dive independently worldwide up to 18 metres. Experienced divers also find Advanced Open Water, night diving, deep diving and rescue and first aid courses.
In short, whether you want your first bubbles or an international certification, diving in Florianópolis offers options for every profile. With that in mind, let’s explore the main diving schools and centres on the island:
1– Água Viva Mergulho
Located in Ponta das Canas, it ranks among the most established schools in Florianópolis. It holds the PADI Five Star Resort distinction, an award that recognises centres with strong standards in teaching, safety, services and marine conservation.
Água Viva Mergulho teaches certified courses for every level and also offers complete experiences for divers. You can join organised trips, rent equipment and enjoy extra activities. With this school, you can try a discover scuba dive or join professional programmes like Divemaster.
They also teach specialities such as night diving, underwater photography and rescue. Their multilingual team helps international visitors enjoy smoother experiences. Therefore, the school suits both newcomers and divers seeking international certifications.
2– Divemore Centro de Mergulho
Based in Ribeirão da Ilha, one of the most traditional districts in southern Florianópolis, Divemore combines a dive school with a trip operator. It’s affiliated with SSI (Scuba Schools International) and offers many courses from beginner to advanced programmes, including marine ecology and first aid training. They also organise shore and boat dives, with optional Nitrox and equipment rental onsite.
Their focus aims to deliver complete training for all levels, from first-time divers to those who want specialisations or professional development within diving.
3– Mathaaus Adventure
Located in Ingleses Norte, Mathaaus ranks among the best diving schools in Florianópolis. The centre offers a full programme including courses from beginner to instructor level, plus national and international dive trips to places like Fernando de Noronha, Paraty, Búzios, Abrolhos or the Galápagos Islands.
Their programmes suit divers who want regular practice or wish to build a professional path. They also organise snorkelling trips, boat tours around Ingleses and Santinho, plus kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard rentals. As a result, it’s a versatile option for groups with different interests.
4– Estrela do Mar Mergulho
With its base in Ponta das Canas, this centre organises trips to Ilha do Arvoredo, the main marine sanctuary in Santa Catarina.
Although it’s known for its discover scuba dives, the offer goes further. Besides beginner dives up to eight metres, they include boat tours, snorkelling and underwater photo and video services. These extras let non-divers enjoy the trip as well.
The centre suits travellers who want their first underwater experience in a controlled environment and also certified divers seeking a relaxed tour around Arvoredo’s biodiversity.
5– Explorer Centro de Mergulho
Based in Itacorubi, Explorer is a local PADI centre offering courses for beginners and professionals, including freediving and scuba programmes, plus national and international trips. They also join environmental initiatives such as underwater spring and beach cleaning.
The centre suits visitors staying near central Florianópolis who want an accessible first contact with diving. They dive at sites like Guarda do Embaú, Ponta do Papagaio, Xavier Island, Mata Fome Island, Arvoredo Island and Bombinhas.
6– Floripa Dive
Located in Barra da Lagoa, a scenic fishing district, Floripa Dive attracts an international audience thanks to its bilingual instructor team. They follow PADI standards and offer many courses, from discover dives and Open Water Diver to professional programmes like Divemaster.
One highlight is their focus on marine conservation. Many courses include talks about local biodiversity and responsible diving. They also organise trips to Ilha do Arvoredo and quieter spots, which appeal to curious divers and eco-travellers.
7– Mobile schools and local operators
During high season, especially from December to March, mobile schools and local operators run trips from different beaches. They usually offer full-day excursions with a discover dive included and target casual tourists who want to try diving in Florianópolis without committing to a certification.
What are the best dive sites in Florianópolis?
The island of magic surprises under the surface as well. Reefs, shipwrecks and rich biodiversity attract divers worldwide. If you don’t know where to start, these recommended sites offer a complete diving experience in Florianópolis.
1– Ilha do Arvoredo
Located around 11 km from northern Florianópolis, it’s considered the main marine sanctuary in southern Brazil. It forms part of a biological reserve, which keeps its waters clear and its natural wealth intact. Tourism is restricted, except for diving on the southern coast.
Marine life thrives here, with more than 800 recorded species. You may see grunts, surgeonfish, groupers, rays, seahorses, octopuses and turtles. During winter, you may even spot southern right whales in the distance.
The place also stands out for its visibility, which often exceeds 15 metres during the dry season. The protected ecosystem creates a unique feeling while you dive. It’s the number one spot for any diver visiting Florianópolis.
2– Ilha do Campeche
Located off the beach with the same name, this site combines underwater archaeology and nature. Underwater, you’ll find tropical fish, rocky formations and submerged ancient engravings, which create a unique experience.
You may spot parrotfish, eels, starfish and colourful sponges. Its turquoise water and white sand make the whole visit attractive both underwater and onshore.
The site suits beginners and experienced divers seeking a different environment.
3– Ilha do Xavier
Just a few kilometres from Barra da Lagoa, this site attracts divers seeking easy access from the mainland. Its calm and clear waters suit discover dives and initial courses.
You’ll find reef fish, small crustaceans and molluscs, plus soft corals. Because the island sits close to the coast, trips often include a short and accessible boat ride. A highlight is the Alalunga II shipwreck, on the southern side, offering one of the best dives in Florianópolis.
For all these reasons, Ilha do Xavier is one of the best options for newcomers wanting their first underwater experience in Florianópolis.
4– Lili Shipwreck
For travellers who love history and adventure, the Lili Shipwreck offers one of the region’s most exciting dives. Located near Canasvieiras, it’s the remains of a vessel that sank decades ago and now works as an artificial reef.
You may see moray eels, groupers, pufferfish, rays and many invertebrates. The algae- and coral-covered hull creates a unique setting. Many divers consider it one of the best dive sites in Florianópolis for those with some experience because it blends emotion, history and marine life.
5– Costão do Santinho
In northern Florianópolis, in front of Santinho beach, you’ll find this site filled with rocky formations that create underwater caves and passages. It suits divers seeking a different scenario from the island’s usual spots.
You may encounter octopuses, lobsters, seahorses and colourful fish hiding in the cracks. The dramatic coastline and the option to combine diving with local hikes create a complete outdoor experience.
Connectivity while you dive in Florianópolis
After a diving day at Ilha do Arvoredo or the northern beaches, you’ll likely want to share underwater photos and videos, stay in touch with your family or plan your next dive with your centre. For all that, a strong internet connection becomes essential.
Florianópolis offers Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés and restaurants. However, full-day trips, boat transfers and visits to remote beaches often won’t include these networks. That’s where a Holafly eSIM for Brazil becomes your best option, since it gives you unlimited data without worrying about roaming or physical SIM cards.
If your diving adventure in Florianópolis is part of a longer trip or if you plan to spend months travelling around Brazil, Holafly Plan works even better. This subscription gives you unlimited data for this destination and more than 170 countries. Therefore, you can keep diving around South America using just one plan. The renewal works automatically and you can cancel anytime without penalties.
Holafly lets you upload your dive videos as soon as you return to the harbour, stay in touch with your dive centre on WhatsApp or even work remotely while you enjoy life on the island. In other words: your underwater memories won’t stay on your device because you can share them in real time.
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! 🚀🌍
What’s the cost of diving in Florianópolis?
Diving in Florianópolis doesn’t cost much compared with other destinations in Brazil or worldwide. Discover dives usually cost between $350 R and $500 R (around €60.34–86.20 ($70–100 US)), depending on the school and included services such as boat transfers, underwater photos or snorkelling.
Certified courses cost more because they include theory, pool practice and several open-water dives. On average, an Open Water Diver course (an internationally recognised beginner level) costs between $2,000 R and $2,500 R (around €344.82–430.17 ($400–500 US)). Advanced courses or specialities such as night diving, wrecks or rescue often exceed those amounts.
To help you plan clearly, here’s a table with approximate prices offered by several schools in Florianópolis. Keep in mind that values may change depending on season, included services and current promotions.
| School / Centre | Activity or Course | Estimated Price (BRL) | Estimated Price (USD/EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Água Viva Mergulho | Try Dive | $400 R | $80 US (€74) |
| Água Viva Mergulho | Open Water Diver Course (PADI) | $2,200 R | $440 US (€394) |
| Divemore Centro de Mergulho | Discover dive with snorkel included | $380 R | $76 US (€66) |
| Divemore Centro de Mergulho | SSI Open Water Diver Course | $2,000 R | $400 US (€344) |
| Estrela do Mar Mergulho | Discover dive at Ilha do Arvoredo (with photos) | $450 R | $90 US (€77) |
| Mathaaus Adventure | Advanced Course (Advanced Open Water) | $2,400 R | $480 US (€412) |
Prices for different diving courses in Florianópolis.
As you can see, every budget finds options here. You can try diving with a calm discover session or invest in an international certification that lets you dive anywhere in the world.
Diving in Florianópolis: Frequently asked questions
No. Most centres offer discover dives designed for total beginners. An instructor always remains with you and guides the session in safe, controlled depths. However, if you want to progress and dive independently, you’ll need an international certification such as the Open Water Diver course.
You can dive all year, but the best season runs from October to March, when warmer water and better visibility create ideal conditions. Winter brings colder temperatures and changing visibility, although the islands stay quieter with fewer tourists and more peaceful dive sites.
Most centres accept children from 10 years old for discover dives, always with consent and an adult present. Certification courses also accept young divers from that age but with adapted requirements. It’s important to confirm details with each school because conditions may vary.
The standout spot is Ilha do Arvoredo because it’s a protected marine area with exceptional biodiversity. You often see turtles, rays, groupers, seahorses and many tropical fish species. Ilha do Campeche and the Lili Shipwreck also offer strong chances to spot vibrant marine life.
Yes, as long as you dive with authorised and certified centres such as PADI or SSI. Serious operators provide approved equipment, trained instructors and strict safety procedures. Moreover, diving conditions around the island usually stay calm, which makes the destination safe for beginners and experienced divers alike.
