Language 
No results found
Scuba diving in Ilha Grande: Best spots and prices
Discover what scuba diving is like in Ilha Grande, Brazil: recommended courses, dive centers, tips and more!
In this guide, you’ll discover the top dive centers for scuba diving in Ilha Grande, a destination famous for its crystal-clear waters, rich marine life, and laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect base for exploring the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro and enjoying the area’s many water sports. On this island, both beginners and experienced divers will find the ideal mix of unspoiled nature, warm waters, and a well-developed tourism scene.
Here you’ll find information on where to take courses and which spots offer the best underwater experiences. You’ll also learn how much it costs to dive on the island, what kinds of trips and activities each center offers, and how to choose the option that best fits your skill level and interests.
Diving centers and courses in Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande has a well-established diving community and several certified dive centers operating year-round. Most of them are located in Vila do Abraão, the island’s main entry point and the departure spot for boats heading to the dive sites. Below, you’ll find some of the most reputable centers along with the courses they offer.
Elite Dive Center
One of the oldest dive centers on Ilha Grande, Elite Dive Center is known for its experience and personalized attention. They offer daily dives to several sites around the island, including Gruta do Acaiá and Ilha Jorge Grego. Great spots for seeing turtles, rays, and tropical fish.
In addition to trips for certified divers, they also provide PADI courses ranging from the beginner Open Water Diver to Rescue Diver. Groups are usually small, allowing for more individualized guidance during both the practical sessions and the theory classes.
Aquamarina Mergulho
With a strong reputation among international visitors, Aquamarina Mergulho blends professionalism with a laid-back atmosphere. They have multilingual instructors and offer everything from introductory dives to specialties like deep diving, underwater navigation, and night diving.
Their trips include shallow reef areas that are perfect for beginners, as well as shipwrecks and sea caves for those looking for something more challenging. Prices are competitive and the diving gear is in excellent condition, which many travelers appreciate when they are not bringing their own equipment.
Scuba Dive, Ilha Grande
This spot brings together a love of diving with the adventurous spirit of surfing. Along with recreational dives, they also run boat excursions that visit several spots in a single day, which is ideal if you are short on time.
Their courses are PADI-certified and include advanced options such as Divemaster, perfect for those looking to turn diving into a profession or work in the industry. They also offer packages that combine accommodation, diving, and snorkeling, which are very convenient for international travelers.
Dive & Cia
With years of experience, this spot focuses on environmentally conscious diving and underwater photography. Their instructors make preserving the marine environment a priority and teach divers how to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Courses range from beginner levels to specialties like wreck diving, taking advantage of the many sunken ships around Ilha Grande. They also offer “discover scuba diving” programs, perfect for those who want to try diving for the first time without committing to a full course.
The best places to dive in Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is considered one of Brazil’s top diving destinations, thanks to its diverse marine ecosystems, warm waters, and visibility that can reach up to fifteen meters. From historic shipwrecks to caves and vibrant reefs, each dive site offers a unique experience. Discover the best spots to go diving on the island.
Ilha Jorge Grego
Situated southeast of Ilha Grande, this tiny island is renowned for its stunning dive sites. With rocky landscapes and depths ranging from 10 to over 40 meters, it offers something for both beginners and experienced divers.
Its waters are home to green turtles, moray eels, pufferfish, groupers, and schools of colorful fish weaving through the coral. Rays are also commonly spotted, and curious dolphins appear during certain seasons. Alongside this rich marine life, Ilha Jorge Grego is known for its underwater passages and caves lit by natural light, creating a truly magical underwater setting.
Gruta do Acaiá
Gruta do Acaiá is one of Ilha Grande’s most unique spots. While it isn’t a deep dive site, it offers an unforgettable experience. Located on the island’s southwest coast, its main attraction is a stunning optical phenomenon: sunlight streaming through a small underwater opening bathes the cave in a brilliant turquoise glow.
During the dive, you can see small silver fish, soft corals, and algae-covered rock formations. It’s a great spot for underwater photography and perfect for those looking for a unique experience without having to dive too deep.
Pinguino Shipwreck
The Pinguino wreck, a Brazilian Navy ship sunk in 1967, is one of the most popular sites for certified divers. Located near Ilha do Jorge Grego at about 30 meters deep, the ship’s hull has over time transformed into an artificial reef teeming with marine life.
Among the wreck’s remains, it’s common to see groupers, lionfish, moray eels, and schools of Sergeant Major fish. The site is especially appealing to divers who enjoy wreck diving and want to explore a piece of the region’s underwater history.
Lagoa Azul
To the north of Ilha Grande lies the famous Lagoa Azul, a sheltered bay with calm, clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and recreational diving. Its seabed is covered with corals and sponges, providing a home for parrotfish, sea urchins, and starfish.
Visibility is usually excellent, and with its shallow waters, it’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a relaxed dive. The area is also great for combining diving with a boat or kayak trip, making it an ideal spot for a full day of activities.
Gruta do Saco do Céu
Set in a protected cove and surrounded by lush jungle, Gruta do Saco do Céu provides a serene and almost magical diving experience. At night, the waters come alive with bioluminescence, a natural glow created by tiny microorganisms in motion.
During the day, you can spot seahorses, anemones, and tiny crustaceans hiding among the rocks. Its shallow waters make it perfect for beginner dives or macro photography, especially at sunset when the water’s colors become even more vibrant.
Connectivity while diving in Ilha Grande
While Ilha Grande is a place where many come to unplug, having a reliable connection is essential for planning activities, checking dive maps, or sharing your underwater adventures. In this regard, Holafly provides a convenient way to stay connected from the moment you arrive in Brazil.
Holafly’s eSIM for Brazil gives you unlimited internet access without needing a physical SIM. Just scan a QR code before your trip. It is an easy way to keep in touch with your dive center, book activities, or instantly share your underwater adventures.
And if you plan to visit several countries during your trip, you can choose Holafly’s monthly plans, which cover multiple destinations with a single purchase.
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 it cost to dive in Ilha Grande?
The cost of diving in Ilha Grande varies depending on the type of experience, the dive center you choose, and your certification level. Overall, prices are quite reasonable compared to other diving destinations in the Caribbean or Southeast Asia, making this Brazilian island a great option for those seeking quality dives without breaking the bank.
Recreational dives for certified divers typically range from $50 to $80 per trip, depending on the site and the equipment provided. These prices usually include boat transport, a guide, and all necessary gear such as the tank, vest, fins, mask, and wetsuit.
A beginner’s dive or “discover scuba diving” experience typically costs between $70 and $100. It includes a short theory session, practice in shallow water, and a guided dive with an instructor.
As for PADI certified courses, prices vary depending on the level:
- Open Water Diver: Between $290 to $385.
- Advanced Open Water Diver: Around $350.
- Rescue Diver or Divemaster: From $430.
Many dive centers offer packages that combine accommodation, transfers, and multiple dives, which can be more cost-effective for those planning to stay on the island for several days. Discounts are also common during the low season, from April to November, when the weather remains pleasant and there are fewer tourists.
As you can see, diving in Ilha Grande offers a high-quality experience at an accessible price, catering both to first-time divers and certified divers looking to explore new sites.
Frequently asked questions about diving in Ilha Grande
The best time to dive in Ilha Grande is from October to April, when the waters are warmer, ranging from 24 °C to 28 °C, and visibility is at its clearest.
No. If you’ve never dived before, you can try a “discover scuba diving” experience, a guided dive that doesn’t require any prior certification. However, for deeper dives or wreck dives, a certification such as PADI Open Water Diver is required.
Almost all diving centers in Vila do Abraão offer full equipment rental, even if you don’t take the course with them.
The waters of Ilha Grande are home to green turtles, stingrays, moray eels, pufferfish, groupers, seahorses, and colorful corals.
The most common way to get there is by bus or shuttle to Angra dos Reis or Conceição de Jacareí, followed by a boat or speedboat to Vila do Abraão. The entire journey usually takes around three to four hours.
Coverage can be spotty in some areas, but with Holafly’s eSIM for Brazil, you can enjoy unlimited internet on the island and stay connected to plan your dives or get in touch with local dive centers.
Yes. Some dive centers offer night dives at spots like Lagoa Azul or Gruta do Saco do Céu, where you can see bioluminescence and creatures that only come out after dark, such as octopuses and glass shrimp.
Plans that may interest you
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! ✈️🌍
