Diving in Brazil’s Caribbean-Like Paradise
@FandeloespontaneoBeaches like Pontal do Atalaia are among the most beautiful in Brazil for their turquoise waters, lush greenery and pure tranquility.
With its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, radiant sunshine and abundant marine life, Arraial do Cabo, a coastal town in the state of Rio de Janeiro, earned the nickname “Brazilian Caribbean.” In spite of being located far from the Caribbean sea, its Carioca rhythm, stunning tropical landscape surrounding each paradisiacal beach and the good vibes of the locals will instantly transport you to a Caribbean-like paradise.
These features not only make it a unique destination worth visiting, but also create ideal conditions for anyone ready to enjoy diving while connecting with the ocean and its marine life.
Related Reading: Guide to Diving in Curacao
Martina AlvarezArraial do Cabo offers divers ideal conditions and encounters with awe-inspiring creatures from sea turtles to hunchback whales.
Friendly Diving Conditions
Arraial do Cabo has very little current, and the water temperature rarely dips below 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The conditions make it an ideal spot for scuba diving courses, as they allow students to feel comfortable in the water. Diving sites are located near the harbor, where all the boats depart for excursions. I dove with Arraial Sub, a local PADI center with great charisma and exceptional customer service.
Scuba Diving With Sea Turtles
Martina AlvarezA sea turtle gets close for a photograph during a dive at Arraial do Cabo.
The number of sea turtles one can see is a stunning and unique experience. Arraial is home to green turtles, hawksbills and, occasionally, leatherbacks. What's more, they frequent shallow waters, making it possible for anyone to observe them. The Mar de Tartaruga organization is specifically devoted to protecting these sea turtles.
Healthy Coral Reefs and Beautiful Marine Life
To me, the vibrant coral formations in Arraial are truly unique. There are corals of all sizes, particularly brain and lettuce corals. It's common to see small fish feeding on them while you are diving. Some of the species that can be spotted are parrotfish, angelfish, trumpetfish, southern stingray, cowfish, nudibranchs, flounder, flying gurnard and more. If you are lucky, you might see bottlenose dolphins while diving. My guide even spotted orcas on one dive!
Related Reading: Slug Spotter: A Guide to Photographing Nudibranchs
Whale Watching
If you visit Arraial from July to September, you’ll get the chance to spot humpback whales. Although they are rarely seen while diving, you can watch them breaching on the ride to your dive site. You can also take a boat tour (typically a full day excursion) to different paradise beaches such as Ilha do Farol, Pontal do Atalaia and Praia do Forno. Each of these beaches has idyllic clear water and white sand. If your trip ends with a visit to the Blue Grotto, whale watching is almost guaranteed. A boat tour is an ideal way to get to know a vast part of the area in one day.
Related Reading: An Ode to Coral Reefs
Need to Know
Getting There You can travel to Arraial do Cabo from Galeao Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG) by bus, shuttle or taxi. The trip lasts approximately three hours by shuttle or taxi and four to six hours by bus.
Many people also prefer to stay in Armação dos Búzios or Cabo Frio and visit Arraial during the day.
Accommodations I was there exclusively for diving, so I decided to stay for a week at Hostel A Coroa. I especially recommend the private rooms on the upper floor.
