10 Reasons to Try Scuba Diving in Arraial do Cabo

Thinking about scuba diving in Arraial do Cabo? Then dive into this post with me — literally.

I’ve swum with sharks in the Galápagos, gotten lost among colorful corals in Indonesia and Thailand, explored shipwrecks in the Honduran Caribbean, and fallen in love with Colombia’s warm waters. But it was in Arraial do Cabo that I decided to plant my fins — and stay.

Yep, I live in this little slice of paradise surrounded by crystal-clear waters, and I’ve taken hundreds of people diving — from curious travelers to dive nerds like me who ended up turning pro. And if you’re thinking about trying scuba diving for the first time, I promise you: there’s no better place in Brazil to have this life-changing experience.

Arraial do Cabo didn’t earn the title of Brazil’s Dive Capital by accident. And if you’re considering taking the plunge, let me tell you — with all the excitement of someone who lives this every day — why scuba diving in Arraial do Cabo is one of the most incredible adventures you can have in Brazil.

10 Reasons to Try Scuba Diving in Arraial do Cabo

1. You’ll dive in one of Brazil’s most stunning natural aquariums

Thanks to a phenomenon called upwelling, cold nutrient-rich water rises from the ocean depths and turns Arraial do Cabo into an all-you-can-eat buffet for marine life. The result? Shoals of fish dancing around you, squid, octopuses, rays, camouflaged flounders, lobsters peeking out from crevices… and of course, the stars of the show: sea turtles.

And the best part? You can spot them even in shallow water, which means yes — you could very well live the dream of swimming alongside a turtle on your very first dive in Arraial do Cabo!

2. Year-round diving (with a secret tip on the best months)

Aside from a few windier days in August and September, Arraial do Cabo offers good diving conditions all year long. Water temps range from 16 °C to 24 °C, and even when it’s on the colder side, thick wetsuits keep you warm and comfy underwater.

Want my golden tip? March and April are usually the best months to go scuba diving in Arraial do Cabo! Calmer seas, better visibility and warmer water — perfect for first-timers.

3. Experienced instructors and top-notch safety

Diving is a way of life in Arraial do Cabo. Here, you’ll find well-established dive shops with decades of experience, like MasterDive and AcquaWorld, plus amazing independent professionals — just like me 😉

As a Divemaster, I’ve guided many people with fear, anxiety, or even past trauma around the ocean, and I can promise you: dive experiences in Arraial are all about care, attention and safety. You dive one-on-one with an instructor who literally holds your hand (and your tank!) the whole time.

But here’s the thing: who you dive with matters. Choose reputable schools or certified professionals with up-to-date credentials from recognized agencies like PADI, SSI, or SDI. Diving is serious stuff, and not all dive operators in Arraial follow the same safety standards. Sometimes paying a bit more means better gear, a smoother experience — and avoiding what could be a major flop.

Want to dive with me? Just send me a message on Instagram and I’ll explain everything (in English, Spanish or Portuguese language, as you wish) — prices included! 🌊💙

4. You’ll see tons of marine life without going too deep

First-time dives in Arraial do Cabo go to a max depth of 10 meters (33 ft), but honestly, you don’t need to go that far to be wowed.

At just 3 to 5 meters deep, you can spot colorful fish, starfish, lobsters, eels, squids — and yes, turtles. It’s like the ocean says: “relax, I’ll show you the good stuff right away.”

5. So many dive sites — and the adventure starts before you even dive

Arraial do Cabo has over 20 easy-access dive sites between islands and sheltered bays. That means that even if the wind changes direction, there’s always a calm spot to dive.

Just 15 minutes from the pier, you can explore places like:

• Ilha do Farol (with options to dive on the inside or outside of the island)

• Ilha dos Porcos (only accessible by dive boat)

• Enseada do Cardeiro

  
  

And if you love your first dive (spoiler alert: you will), you can always come back and try another site!

Bonus: the boat trip itself is amazing. You’ll cruise past beautiful cliffs, swim in turquoise waters, and with a bit of luck, spot dolphins & whales (especially from June to September). Even non-divers love the boat tour!

6. A life-changing experience — at a surprisingly accessible price

Scuba diving involves serious logistics: a boat, expensive gear, internationally certified professionals… and that comes with a price tag. But in Arraial do Cabo, you can try scuba diving starting from R$ 300 (~US$ 55).

Compared to other dive destinations in Brazil or around the world, it’s a fantastic value per money — especially considering the marine life and infrastructure.

7. One of the best places to dive in Rio de Janeiro (no flights, no stress)

Live in Rio or visiting the city? In just over two hours by car, you can reach Arraial do Cabo and dive the next day.

It’s the kind of day trip that’s totally worth turning into a weekend getaway — with diving, beach time, hiking, and a sunset seafood feast.

If you’re looking for a place to go scuba diving near Rio de Janeiro, come to Arraial do Cabo!

8. Diving here can heal your fear of the ocean

If you’re scared of the sea, have had a bad experience, or just never felt comfortable in the water — let me tell you something: I’ve guided dozens of people just like you.

With the right guidance, calm breathing, and a patient instructor, those same people came out of the water with sparkling eyes and a new sense of confidence.

Diving in Arraial do Cabo can totally change the way you feel about the ocean — and about yourself.

9. You can get amazing underwater photos

Yes, even your first dive in Arraial do Cabo can come with epic pictures. There are underwater photographers in Arraial do Cabo who specialize in capturing beginner dives, like Phillip (Poseidon Deep Art), Ysa Melgaço and Click Sub.

Want surface photos too? Local talents Julia Carriço and TaliTrilhas also create stunning visual memories. Talk to your instructor or dive center to make sure a photographer will be onboard — or just message me on Instagram and I’ll hook you up with a full package with photos included! 😉

10. Your perspective on the world will change (yes, really)

It may sound like a cliché, but diving can change how you see the world. Most of our lives are lived on land — then suddenly, you discover this silent, colorful world beneath the surface.

A world full of magical creatures, where time moves differently. A world where you feel like part of nature in a totally new way.

People usually tell me after their first dive: “Ceci, why did I wait so long to try this?” Maybe that’ll be your line too. And it all starts here, with one giant stride.

So… are you ready to go scuba diving in Arraial do Cabo?

If you’ve read this far, I think the ocean is already calling you 💙

And I’m here, ready to guide you through it. Send me a DM on Instagram and let’s book your first dive in Arraial do Cabo — I promise it’ll be unforgettable.

See you underwater!