Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Rio de Janeiro
Ready to check out the best sites in Rio de Janeiro for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 1 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best ocean activities in Rio de Janeiro to suit your needs.
#1 - Portinho - Ilha Rasa
Brazil, Rio de Janeiro
Great dive for both experienced and non-experienced divers.
Dive site depth starts at 4m (13ft) close to aquarium area and gradually descends to 36m (118ft) in sandy area.
Good passages around 18-12m (59-39ft).
On the right side of the site (looking towards the island) is located the sand path called "Avenida Brasil" (a reference to a famous avenue in Rio de Janeiro), which starts in "classroom" at 6-8m (20-26ft) and descends to the sand area at 36m (118ft). Some good passages also may also be found if you go further than "Avenida Brasil".
Normally this spot has no current (or very low current), but depending on weather you may face some medium currents (and surge close to island).
Green turtles are spotted with high frequency in this site. You'll also see spotted moray eels, scorpionfish, french angelfish, flying gurnard, pufferfish, flouders, cowfish, batfish, rays (stingray, eagle ray, electric ray, etc.), green moray eels, and much more.
Access is only possible by boat. Boats leave from Marina da Gloria every weekend around 8:30am. Trips may take between 45-90 minutes depending on type of boat.