Plongée à Arraial do Cabo — Brazil

Arraial do Cabo is nicknamed the 'Brazilian Caribbean' for its startlingly clear turquoise water, a result of cold upwelling currents that also bring nutrients and marine life. Just 2.5 hours from Rio, it offers accessible diving with turtles, rays, and the famous Gruta Azul blue cave. Brazil's best shore-accessible diving.

Score
63.7
Visibilité
8–25m
Température
16–26°C
Meilleurs mois
March, April, May
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World Class
Intermediate
Arraial do Cabo
BrazilSouth America
63.7

SCORE

-22.9660°N

-42.0277°E

Arraial do Cabo is nicknamed the 'Brazilian Caribbean' for its startlingly clear turquoise water, a result of cold upwelling currents that also bring nutrients and marine life. Just 2.5 hours from Rio, it offers accessible diving with turtles, rays, and the famous Gruta Azul blue cave. Brazil's best shore-accessible diving.

Brazil's Caribbean on the Atlantic

Visibility8–25 m
Temperature16–26°C
Max Depth30 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$75
Best MonthsMarch, April, May, June
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML62.0CH42.0VIS60.0SV68.0TMP62.0DA60.0OP72.0TS78.0GT65.0VAL80.0CRD55.0SP60.0

Marine Life

62.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
58
Megafauna Encounters
52
Reef Fish Abundance
65
Macro Life
62
Endemic Species
55
Marine Life Diversity
62.0
Coral & Reef Health
42.0
Visibility & Conditions
60.0
Dive Site Variety
68.0
Water Temperature
62.0
Depth & Access
60.0
Operator Quality
72.0
Topside Experience
78.0
Getting There
65.0
Value & Cost
80.0
Crowding
55.0
Social Proof
60.0

Dive Types

reefwreckcaveshore

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Great news for traveling couples and families — this is a budget-friendly destination with plenty of affordable topside activities to keep non-divers happy while you explore below the surface.

Activities for Non-Divers

Pontal do Atalaia beachGruta Azul boat tourPraia do FornoRio de Janeiro day trip

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Church
  • Arraial do Cabo Oceanographic Museum

Non-Diver Score

9/10

Excellent for non-divers — they'll love it here.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifemoderate

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber150 km — Hospital Naval Marcílio Dias, Rio de Janeiro
Nearest Hospital10 km

Local hospital in Arraial; chamber at Naval Hospital in Rio de Janeiro (2.5 hr drive)

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Marina dos Anjos

PADI

4.6
280 reviewsNITROX

Arraial Sub Dive

SSI

4.5
190 reviews