Diving in Salvador & Bahia
Why dive here
Salvador & Bahia offers some of Brazil's richest diving, with 291+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, eagle rays, humpback whales and nurse sharks. Water ranges 26-29°C, warmest February, March, April.
Salvador and the wider Bahia state don't always top the list for Brazilian diving, but we think that’s a real oversight. This region delivers warm, tropical diving with a fantastic mix of historic colonial shipwrecks and lively reef formations, all wrapped up in the Todos os Santos Bay marine ecosystem. We especially love the wreck diving here; it’s a tangible link to history. Expect to spend your bottom time exploring structures that tell stories, often buzzing with Cook butterfish and schools of cola. The visibility, usually around 15-20 meters, lets you appreciate the scale of these sunken vessels. On the reefs, keep an eye out for the vibrant Midnight Parrotfish, their colours really pop against the coral. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Bonnethead Shark cruising by. We find the mornings are often calmer, giving you better light on the wrecks. It's not a place for giant pelagics, but the sheer variety of smaller reef fish, like the tide pool wrasse and the quirky lined sole, makes every dive interesting. The relaxed vibe tops it off, making it a proper dive escape.
Salvador & Bahia Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Salvador & Bahia
Salvador & Bahia Dive Sites
35 dive sites in Salvador & Bahia
Atractores
Atractores is a fascinating artificial reef near Salvador, created by sinking concrete structures to encourage marine growth. We’ve found it’s a good spot for seeing schools of snapper and grunt, often with the occasional curious turtle gliding by. The shallower depth makes it suitable for newer divers looking for something a bit different from natural reefs. Visibility can vary, but it’s a solid option for an easy dive.
Bahia de Salvador
The Bahia de Salvador offers some straightforward diving right off Brazil's coast. You'll primarily find wreck diving here, with several historical ships scattered across the seabed. It’s a good spot for divers keen on exploring artificial reefs and the marine life that now calls them home, typically suitable for most experience levels.
BEARN
The Bearn, a former French seaplane tender, sits shallow, making it a great stop for a leisurely dive or even a snorkel. We found the stern section mostly intact, with plenty of room to explore the large propeller and rudder. Schools of grunts and snappers hang around the metal structure, and we often spot moray eels peering out from gaps in the hull. It’s a site that suits newer divers or those looking for a relaxed dive in Salvador, with visibility usually quite decent around the wreck.
BRASILOIDE
The Brasiloide, a motor vessel lost in 1943, rests upright at 43 meters, making it a dive for those comfortable with deeper profiles. We usually descend along the mooring line straight to the stern, where the prop is still largely intact and a good spot to check for large groupers. You can follow the deck forward, past the collapsed mast structure, where schools of snapper often hang in the current. The bow is fairly broken up, but the structure still offers plenty of nooks and crannies for moray eels and lobsters. It’s a proper wreck dive, with a bit of history to it, and the depth keeps it from getting too crowded.
Caita
Caita is a decent little spot off the coast, fairly close to Salvador. You'll likely see a decent mix of reef fish, maybe a turtle cruising by if you're lucky, and often some stingrays resting on the sandy patches. It's a relaxed dive, good for shaking off the travel dust or for newer divers looking for an easy morning out.
CAVO ARTEMIDI
The *Cavo Artemidi* is one of those wrecks that just makes a day. At only 14 metres, it's accessible to nearly all divers, and what a fantastic playground it is. This bulk carrier, which ran aground back in 1980, now lies broken but still impressive, scattered across the seafloor. We love how the sheer scale of it still comes through, even with the damage. You'll spend your dive weaving through colossal metal plates, exploring the engine room, and poking around the bow section. The light filters down beautifully through the clearer Bahian water, highlighting the hard corals that have encrusted every available surface. Schools of snapper dart in and out of the shadows, and we’ve often spotted eagle rays cruising past in the blue. For us, the highlight is finding the occasional moray eel peering out from a dark crevice. It's a proper wreck dive, full of atmosphere, without the need for technical skills, making it our favourite historical wreck in the area. Dive it early in the morning for the best visibility before the currents pick up.
Corais de Ondina
Corais de Ondina, often called the Gardens, is a Salvador favourite, and we think it's one of the best shallow dives around. At just 10 metres deep, it’s an easy, relaxed dive, perfect for stretching out a long bottom time, letting the sun dapple through the water. We always see plenty here: needlefish hover near the surface, and the Planehead Filefish are almost guaranteed. Look closely in the nooks and crannies of the rocky bottom, where patches of coral shelter tiny creatures. We’ve spotted Dark-spotted Snake Eels poking their heads out of the sand, and the Angular Brittle Stars are surprisingly intricate. Our pick for an afternoon dive, when the light is just right and the schools of Day Snapper and Schoolmaster really catch the sun. Visibility can hit 25 metres on a good day, making it easy to spot everything from the Lofty Triplefin to a curious Spotted Trunkfish. It's a genuinely rewarding spot, and a great way to experience Salvador’s underwater world without needing deep diving experience.
Cordão da Barra de Serinhaém
Cordão da Barra de Serinhaém is a reef that’s really off the beaten path, even for Bahia. We’ve found it’s mostly hard corals, with a smattering of the usual reef fish you’d expect in this region – parrotfish, snappers, and the like. It's a good pick for divers looking for a quiet, undisturbed dive without the crowds, especially if you're already exploring the Serinhaém area. Don't expect dramatic walls or huge schools, but it's a pleasant, easy dive.
Coroa do Capão
Coroa do Capão offers a decent reef dive right off Salvador. You'll find a coral reef here, and while we haven't logged specific species yet, expect a good cross-section of typical Atlantic reef fish. It's a solid choice for a casual dive when you're in the area.
Coroa do Cavalo
Coroa do Cavalo offers a look at a classic coral reef in the Salvador area. Depths here are moderate, making it a good choice for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed multi-level profile. You'll find a mix of hard and soft corals, with smaller reef fish darting between the formations. It’s a solid option for a pleasant, straightforward dive.
Galeão Sacramento
The Galeão Sacramento is a proper dive into history, a Portuguese galleon that went down in 1668 right at the entrance of All Saints Bay. We love how much of the past is still there, scattered across the seabed at 28 metres. Expect to see cannons lying in stacks, some still half-buried, along with massive anchors, all encrusted and looking like they’ve been part of the reef forever. The historical weight of the site really hits you as you swim past the remnants of this old ship. Visibility averages around 16 metres, which is plenty to appreciate the scale of the debris field. As for marine life, it’s a great spot for spotting coney and drummer boys darting in and out of the metal structures. We’ve found morays peeking out of the cannon barrels more than once, and lobsters are often tucked into any crevice they can find. If you’re into wrecks with a real story, and you’re comfortable at depth, this one’s for you. It’s best appreciated by advanced divers, or those on Nitrox, giving you more time to explore without feeling rushed. Try to hit it on a calmer day; the entrance to the bay can get choppy.
GERMANIA
The *Germania* isn't your typical deep wreck, and that's precisely why we love it. Lying in just six meters of water, this steamship wreck offers a super accessible dive, perfect for knocking out a few leisurely bottom time hours without feeling rushed. We typically drop down in the afternoon, when the light really slices through the shallow water, illuminating the ship’s ribs and twisted metal. You’ll weave through the skeletal remains of the hull, spotting schools of sergeant majors darting in and out of the crevices. Look closely, and you’ll often find a well-camouflaged scorpionfish tucked against the rust. While there isn't much current to worry about, the visibility can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on the tide; we suggest aiming for an incoming tide if you can, it usually brings clearer water. It’s a site that really makes you feel like you’re exploring history, not just observing it.
Show all 35 dive sites in Salvador & Bahia
- Ho Mei III - Salvador
- JANGADEIRO
- Jequirica
- Maraldi
- Naufragio Agenor Gordilho
- Naufragio Blackadder
- Naufragio Germania
- Prainha
- Primeira praia
- Quebra-mar
- Recife das Pinaúnas
- Recife das Pinaúnas
- Recife das Pinaúnas
- Recife das Pinaúnas
- Recife das Pinaúnas
- Recife das Pinaúnas
- Recife das Pinaúnas
- Recife das Pinaúnas
- Recifes Caitás
- Recifes do Sororocuçu
- Reliance
- Taipus de Fora
- Terno - Salvador
Salvador & Bahia Dive Centres
13 dive shops and operators in Salvador & Bahia
Acqua Sub
Agua Viva Mergulho
BAHIA SCUBA
Dive Paraty
Espaço Mergulho
Evidive Concept Dive Center
Koka-Sub
Narwhal Moema
Show all 13 dive centres in Salvador & Bahia
Ocean Wildlife in Salvador & Bahia
291 species recorded in Salvador & Bahia
Salvador & Bahia Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Salvador & Bahia, calculated from coordinates
Today - Sunday 11 October
Sunrise
05:13
Sunset
17:32
Daylight
12h 19m
Golden Hour
17:04
First light (dawn) at 04:51 · Last light (dusk) at 17:53
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 05:19 | 18:09 | 12h 50m |
| Feb | 05:34 | 18:06 | 12h 32m |
| Mar | 05:39 | 17:51 | 12h 12m |
| Apr | 05:41 | 17:30 | 11h 49m |
| May | 05:46 | 17:17 | 11h 31m |
| JunShortest | 05:55 | 17:16 | 11h 21m |
| Jul | 05:59 | 17:23 | 11h 24m |
| Aug | 05:51 | 17:30 | 11h 39m |
| Sep | 05:31 | 17:31 | 12h 0m |
| OctNow | 05:10 | 17:32 | 12h 22m |
| Nov | 04:58 | 17:41 | 12h 43m |
| DecLongest | 05:03 | 17:57 | 12h 54m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Salvador & Bahia.
Where to Stay near Salvador & Bahia
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Marine Protected Areas near Salvador & Bahia
7 protected areas near Salvador & Bahia - please respect local regulations when diving
Área De Proteção Ambiental Plataforma Continental Do Litoral Norte
Área De Proteção Ambiental Baía De Todos Os Santos
Área De Proteção Ambiental Baía De Camamu
Reserva Extrativista Marinha Da Baia De Iguapé
Área De Proteção Ambiental Tinharé / Boipeba
Reserva Particular Do Patrimônio Natural Reserva Da Peninha
Reserva Particular Do Patrimônio Natural Araçari
Getting to Salvador & Bahia
Salvador
Porto Seguro
Feira de Santana
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