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Scuba diving in Porto de Galinhas: Best spots and prices
Everything you need to know about scuba diving in Porto de Galinhas: prices, courses, locations, and tips for an unforgettable experience.
Scuba diving in Porto de Galinhas feels like stepping into a vibrant, natural aquarium full of life, color, and calm. Its warm, crystal-clear waters are perfect for exploring the underwater world, whether it’s your first dive or you’re already certified. This guide covers the best dive centers and courses in Porto de Galinhas, the most stunning dive spots, and a clear overview of costs so you can plan your experience with everything you need. Get ready to see why this corner of northeastern Brazil has become a favorite destination for ocean lovers.
Diving centers and courses in Porto de Galinhas
Diving in Porto de Galinhas is a breeze, even for first-timers. The warm, gentle waters, full of tropical fish and vibrant reefs, make it a relaxing place to learn. Here are some of the top dive centers where you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Mergulhos Aquamarina: It’s one of the oldest dive centers in the area and a local landmark. Founded in 1999, it offers beginner dives as well as PADI certification courses. The center is well known for its personalized attention and professional team.
- Deep Dive Adventures: They specialize in trips to Porto de Galinhas’ most iconic natural pools. They offer guided experiences for all skill levels, as well as advanced courses that include wreck dives and night diving.
- Freediving Porto de Galinhas: Perfect for those who prefer freediving or apnea. Here, you’ll learn breathing and buoyancy techniques to dive without tanks, with internationally recognized CMAS certifications. It’s ideal if you want a more natural, immersive connection with the ocean.
- Porto Point: A favorite among experienced divers, this school has been operating since 1987. It offers PADI courses, equipment rentals, guided trips, and tank refills. It is a complete option for those with experience or for groups traveling together.
Diving courses available
Porto de Galinhas offers courses for all levels and styles:
- Introductory diving: Perfect for beginners. Includes a brief theoretical explanation and a guided dive of up to 6m in calm areas.
- Open Water Diver: PADI certification course if you want to learn how to dive independently and safely anywhere in the world.
- Advanced and specialty courses: For certified divers looking to learn new skills such as deep diving, night diving, or wreck diving.
- Freediving: A different experience if you like to dive without a tank and learn breath control and buoyancy.
Before signing up, make sure the dive center holds recognized certifications, has well-maintained equipment, and keeps group sizes small. Most instructors speak Portuguese and English, so communication should not be an issue.
The best places to dive in Porto de Galinhas
Every corner of the coastline has its own charm, and diving in Porto de Galinhas lets you experience it from a unique perspective. From vibrant reefs to coral-covered shipwrecks, the destination offers something for divers of all levels. Below, we highlight the most special spots to dive and enjoy the sea at its calmest.
Natural Pools of Porto de Galinhas
If there’s one must-visit spot for diving in Porto de Galinhas, it’s the famous natural pools just off the main beach. A short boat ride takes you to an underwater world filled with colorful fish, coral, and waters so clear you hardly need a mask. With depths around six meters, they are ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a relaxed dive close to the town center.
Muro Alto
Only 15 minutes north, Muro Alto is a true highlight for divers visiting Porto de Galinhas. Its expansive reef creates a calm lagoon that feels like a giant natural pool. The shallow waters are perfect for snorkeling or easy dives, teeming with tropical fish, sponges, and coral formations. You can also make a day of it by adding kayaking or paddleboarding while taking in one of the most serene spots in the region.
Pontal de Maracaípe
A bit further south, Pontal de Maracaípe offers a unique and captivating experience. Where the river meets the sea, a mangrove ecosystem thrives, home to the famous seahorses. Rather than diving with tanks, you explore the area on a small local boat, gliding through the mangrove channels to observe marine life and take in the serene surroundings. It is a calm and scenic spot, perfect for mixing in some relaxation between diving days.
Marte Shipwreck (Serrambi)
For experienced divers, the Marte shipwreck off Serrambi Beach is a must-visit. This former tugboat was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef and is now covered in corals and surrounded by schools of fish. With depths ranging from 16 to 33 meters, it is one of the most thrilling dives in northeastern Brazil and a classic choice for those seeking a more technical and adventurous experience.
Praia dos Carneiros
About 50 kilometers south, Praia dos Carneiros is a perfect day trip from Porto de Galinhas. Its clear, shallow waters hide small reefs where you can snorkel and spot tropical fish without needing any heavy gear. It’s an ideal option if you want to pair a relaxing beach day with a light underwater experience in a stunning setting.
Connectivity while diving in Porto de Galinhas
Staying online while diving in Porto de Galinhas is simple with Holafly’s monthly plans. You can activate your connection as soon as you arrive in Brazil, without removing your physical SIM or dealing with roaming charges. With the Brazil eSIM, you get unlimited data and a strong 4G or 5G signal in all the key tourist areas, making it easy to coordinate dive outings, navigate the region, or upload your underwater photos without depending on the hotel WiFi.
If you’re planning to explore more of South America, Holafly’s plans are a great option. They include unlimited data and international coverage, perfect if you want to keep diving along other beaches in Brazil or elsewhere in the region after your time in Porto de Galinhas. You can set it up in just a few minutes with a QR code, and you’ll stay connected wherever you go.
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 Porto de Galinhas?
Diving in Porto de Galinhas is one of those experiences that’s truly worth it. The best part is that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy it. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or already have experience, there are options for every budget. Here’s an overview of the average prices in dollars so you can plan your day underwater with confidence.
- Introductory diving: This is the most popular option for anyone diving for the first time. It usually includes a short briefing, full equipment, and a guided dive of about 20 minutes in the calm reef waters. The average price ranges from $22-35. Some dive operators include a few basic photos, but if you want video or a full photo package, it typically comes with an extra charge.
- Snorkeling companion: If someone in your group doesn’t want to dive, they can still come along on the boat and explore the reef from the surface with a snorkel.
- VIP or extended introductory diving: Perfect if you want a more personalized outing or extra time underwater. It usually comes with photos and one-on-one guidance, making it a great choice if you want a fuller, more memorable experience. The average price is around $28.
- Diving for certified divers: If you’re already certified, you can join longer dives or explore deeper areas, such as the Marte shipwreck off Serrambi. The price usually covers the guide, tank, and all necessary equipment. Expect to pay around $50-55 per person.
- Apnea or freediving: If you’re looking for a more natural way to connect with the sea, freediving courses teach breathing and buoyancy techniques without using a tank. Introductory classes start at around $28.
Frequently asked questions about diving in Porto de Galinhas
In the reef areas, you’ll encounter colorful fish, corals, sea urchins, small crustaceans, and, if you’re lucky, seahorses. At the Marte shipwreck, it’s common to see schools of larger fish and a more diverse range of marine life.
The best time to dive is from September to March, when the waters are clearest and the weather is more stable. During the rainy season, from May to July, visibility can be slightly reduced, though the sea generally remains calm.
Yes, absolutely. Dive centers have certified instructors (PADI or CMAS), and all equipment is checked before each dive. Most dives also take place in protected, shallow areas.
Some dive centers let you use action cameras like GoPros. Many instructors also provide professional photo or video packages, so you can fully enjoy the dive without having to worry about capturing it yourself.
The most popular spots include the natural pools near the town, Muro Alto Beach, and the Marte shipwreck at Serrambi for certified divers. It’s also worth checking out Pontal de Maracaípe and Praia dos Carneiros for snorkeling or eco-friendly boat tours.
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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! ✈️🌍
