Diving in Abrolhos
Why dive here
Abrolhos offers 61 dive sites in Brazil.
Abrolhos is a quiet surprise, a national marine park off the coast of Bahia that feels genuinely remote. We've always found the unique "chapeirão" coral formations, those mushroom-shaped pillars, to be the main draw here. They create a fascinating topography, full of overhangs and swim-throughs where you'll often spot nurse sharks napping. From July to November, the humpback whales come to breed, and hearing their songs underwater is something truly special. Visibility can be a bit variable, but on a good day, exploring those coral structures, you'll be treated to schools of snapper and barracuda, plus the occasional loggerhead turtle gliding by.
Abrolhos Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Abrolhos
Abrolhos Dive Sites
61 dive sites in Abrolhos
ARTHEMIS
The *Arthemis* isn't a deep dive, sitting at a maximum of 5 meters, but don't let that fool you. This is one of our absolute favourite wrecks in Abrolhos for its sheer accessibility and the way it’s been completely swallowed by the reef. She was a steamship, lost long ago, and what remains is less a vessel and more a skeleton of metal completely encrusted in coral and sponges. You’ll weave through the collapsed hull plates, noticing how schools of snapper and grunts practically live in the nooks and crannies. It’s shallow enough that light penetrates everywhere, illuminating the clouds of anthias that pulse over the wreck structure. We love coming here in the late afternoon; the low sun really makes the colours pop and the fish tend to be more active. If you’re into macro, keep your eyes peeled for nudibranchs on the encrusted metal. This site is perfect for photographers, or anyone who enjoys a relaxed dive with a real sense of history.
CASTOR
Castor is a shallow wreck, barely two metres deep, making it perfect for snorkelers or freedivers who want a real taste of Abrolhos history without the tanks. We love that it’s so accessible; you can swim right over the superstructure, which often breaks the surface on a calm day. Down below, the motor vessel’s ribs are an open invitation for exploration, a jumble of metal now completely overgrown. We’ve seen schools of snapper zipping through the gaps, and often, a curious turtle might cruise by, seemingly unfazed by humans. It’s a great spot for underwater photography too, especially with the sunbeams dancing through the shallow water. Keep an eye out for the small nudibranchs clinging to the encrusted metal – they’re our favourite find here.
Chapeirao Atlantida
Glovers Reef often gets overlooked for its flashy neighbours, but we think that's a mistake. It's similar to Shark Reef, but shallower, which for us, means more bottom time to really poke around. The max depth sits at a comfortable 11 metres, giving you ample opportunity to explore the nooks and crannies without rushing. This site is a fantastic spot for macro lovers and photographers. We’ve spent whole dives just peeking into the countless small holes in the coral, often rewarded with glimpses of Chain Morays, those beautifully patterned, elusive eels. The soft corals here are particularly lush, and the pillar corals stand tall, swaying gently in the current. You'll notice barrel sponges here, often growing a little oval, shaped by the prevailing flow, and they're prime real estate for juvenile fish and even king crabs if you have a keen eye. Visibility averages a decent 15 metres, so you’re never diving blind. It’s a wonderfully relaxed dive, perfect for those who like to take their time and truly observe the smaller residents of the reef.
Chapeirão Jean Pierre
Goat Island, or more accurately, the waters around the Goat Island marine reserve, is a special kind of dive. Forget deep, blue encounters – here, we’re talking about an intimate exploration, maxing out at a mere 7 meters. It's an excellent spot for photographers, especially those keen on macro or wide-angle shots of the landscape, and it's perfect for snorkelers or newer divers building confidence. Our favourite thing about Goat Island is how much life packs into such a shallow space. You’re often drifting over kelp forests, the light filtering down in shimmering greens and golds. Look closely and you’ll find yellow-and-black triplefins doing their little headstands on the rocks, and those striking purple sunset clams wedged into crevices. We’ve had incredible luck spotting sleek black stingrays gliding over the sandy patches – they're less skittish here than in other places. Keep an eye out for banded morwong poking out from under ledges. It’s a gentle, unhurried dive, letting you truly soak in the details. Visibility averages around 7 meters, which is plenty for this kind of close-up exploration. Go in the morning before any wind picks up for the calmest surface conditions.
Chapeirão Mau Mau
We’re big fans of the Kona coast, and Golden Arches gives you a solid taste of what makes it special. The site itself is pretty straightforward, a sloping reef that starts shallow and goes down to about 19 meters. What we really appreciate here are the arches themselves, volcanic rock formations that you can swim through. Dropping through the biggest one, watching the light filter down from the surface, feels like entering another world. The currents can pick up, so it's wise to check the conditions. We’ve found the visibility to be best once you get a little deeper, away from any surge. Keep an eye out for Oriental flying gurnards shuffling along the sandy patches, they're always a treat. You’ll also see plenty of the usual suspects, like the colourful regal parrotfish munching on coral, and schools of manini darting around. If you're lucky, you might even spot a manta gliding through the blue. It’s a great site for divers who appreciate interesting topography and don’t mind a bit of a current.
Coroa do Capão
Boulton Reef is a spot we often suggest when someone asks about diving in the Great Lakes, particularly around Thunder Bay. It's not a vibrant coral garden, obviously, but what you lose in colour you gain in the chance to see some really robust freshwater species. We've spent dives here just watching Lake Sturgeon glide by, or spotting burbot tucked into the rocky crevices. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like the Nine-spined Stickleback darting between rocks, or even a Mottled Sculpin. It’s a good dive for those who appreciate the unique beauty of these cold, clear waters and want a different kind of critter encounter.
Coroa do Cavalo
Bourinot Reef, in Québec, offers a glimpse into a freshwater ecosystem. Expect to encounter fish like the White Sucker, Yellow Perch, and Golden Shiner navigating the reef structure. This site is best for divers interested in exploring local North American freshwater species rather than vibrant corals or large pelagics. It’s a quiet dive, suitable for those looking for something different.
Coroa Grande
Pratt Reef is an intriguing freshwater site in Québec, offering a different kind of dive. Here, you'll likely encounter pumpkinseed fish navigating the reef structures. It's a spot we'd suggest for divers looking for a unique North American freshwater experience, a chance to explore something beyond the usual ocean dive.
Coroa Grande
Coroa Grande gives you a good feel for the Abrolhos coral reefs. It’s a solid dive for spotting the region's endemic brain coral formations. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, it’s a relaxing cruise over the corals. We’d say it’s a good introductory dive for the area, suitable for most experience levels.
Coroa Leste
Coroa Leste is one of Abrolhos' distinctive mushroom-shaped coral formations, or chapeirões. These coral towers rise from the seabed, creating overhangs and swim-throughs home to a variety of reef fish. We find it's a good spot for observing the unique reef structure common to the Abrolhos region, appealing to divers interested in unusual coral formations.
Coroa Leste
Okay, so Power Squadron Reef. It's one of those Pacific Northwest dives that just keeps giving, especially when you hit it right. We're talking about a proper rock reef, a series of ledges and drop-offs that feel a bit like diving in a submerged canyon. It’s absolutely packed with cold-water character. When the visibility plays nice, which usually means a slack tide on an incoming, you’re greeted by a colourful explosion of anemones, sponges, and bryozoans. We love how the roughpatch shrimp pick their way across the rock faces, practically posing. Look closer, and you’ll spot those vibrant green shore crabs scuttling amongst the growth. It's an easy drift along the reef wall, but the real show is often in the nooks and crannies. Keep an eye out for a spotted ratfish gliding through the darker sections or a curious brown catshark lurking in an overhang. We've seen some impressive schools of shiner perch here, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of passing salmon - chinook and pinks are not uncommon during their runs. This place genuinely rewards a slow, methodical dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak in the sheer density of life. It’s a good one for experienced cold-water divers who appreciate the subtle beauty of the PNW.
Coroa Sul
Coroa Sul is a solid dive in Brazil's Abrolhos archipelago, offering a look at the region's unique mushroom-shaped chapeirão corals. These towering formations create plenty of nooks and crannies for smaller reef fish, and we often spot nurse sharks tucked away. The site isn't particularly deep, making it a good choice for newer divers looking for a relaxed exploration of the coral structures. It’s a reliable spot for a calm dive.
Abrolhos Dive Centres
9 dive shops and operators in Abrolhos
Abrolhos Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Abrolhos, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
05:50
Sunset
17:30
Daylight
11h 39m
Golden Hour
17:00
First light (dawn) at 05:28 · Last light (dusk) at 17:52
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 05:15 | 18:18 | 13h 3m |
| Feb | 05:32 | 18:12 | 12h 40m |
| Mar | 05:40 | 17:53 | 12h 13m |
| Apr | 05:46 | 17:29 | 11h 44m |
| May | 05:54 | 17:14 | 11h 20m |
| JunShortest | 06:04 | 17:11 | 11h 7m |
| Jul | 06:07 | 17:19 | 11h 11m |
| AugNow | 05:57 | 17:28 | 11h 31m |
| Sep | 05:34 | 17:32 | 11h 59m |
| Oct | 05:10 | 17:37 | 12h 27m |
| Nov | 04:55 | 17:49 | 12h 54m |
| DecLongest | 04:58 | 18:06 | 13h 8m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Abrolhos.
Where to Stay near Abrolhos
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Marine Protected Areas near Abrolhos
10 protected areas near Abrolhos - please respect local regulations when diving
Área De Proteção Ambiental Ponta Da Baleia / Abrolhos
Reserva Extrativista Corumbau
Abrolhos Marine National Park
Parque Nacional Marinho Dos Abrolhos
Reserva Extrativista De Canavieiras
Reserva Extrativista De Cassurubá
Área De Proteção Ambiental Caraíva/ Trancoso
Coroa Vermelha
Parque Natural Municipal Marinho Do Recife De Fora
Reserva Particular Do Patrimônio Natural Fazenda Avaí
Getting to Abrolhos
Caravelas
Porto Seguro
Vitória
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