Top 5 Scuba Diving Tours in Rio de Janeiro

1.Diving in Buzios

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 10 reviews · 3 hours · from $150Our pick

Travel from Rio to Búzios by authorized tourism vehicle, then meet an instructor at João Fernandes Beach for a theory lesson and a guided scuba session lasting about 45 to 60 minutes. Equipment, a guide and buffet lunch are included. The schedule also includes time in town, but the Rio transfers make this a full-day outing, despite the three-hour duration shown.

“Pros: the Dive is friendly for people who are looking to explore diving. The water is warm. The Dive company has friendly staff. Especially the lady Marianna from the dive centre. Who explained to me later that if you are an experienced driver, you should come in the morning. The boat dives are in the morning. The conditions were good so the visibility was quite good. The tour guide Pablo is also quite good. He gave us a good intro of the town. Con: the information requirement for the experienced diver should be in the description. It’s a bit pricey for the experience that i got. I go diving in…”

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2.DIVING EXPERIENCE

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 7 reviews · 3 hours · from $100Best value

At João Fernandinho Beach, you’ll get a theory lesson and a no-rush water adaptation before exploring the reefs with a personal instructor. The three-hour outing is promoted for beginners and non-swimmers, with photos and video included. Confirm whether your booking is snorkeling or an introductory scuba session, and verify the photo terms before you go.

“O pessoal é legal e amigável, mas a experiência em si não foi muito boa. Já fiz váaaaarios mergulhos de batismo antes e nenhum deles o instrutor ficou tão em cima e próximo de mim como esse. Sem falar que eu questionei a questão da visibilidade, eles falaram que seria de boa mas na verdade a água estava muuuito turva, e mesmo eu perguntando não levaram em consideração para o mergulho. Então tendo como base outros mergulhos que já fiz, esse foi o pior de todos. Não recomendo.”

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3.Discovery Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 6 reviews · 5 hours · from $150

Meet Paraty Tours in town, then travel by boat to a beginner-friendly site in Ilha Grande Bay. After a safety briefing and time to practise in the water, you’ll take your turn for an instructor-accompanied scuba experience at 13 to 26 feet. The outing lasts about five hours, with English, Portuguese, and Spanish support.

“The dive itself was fabulous. I got one dive while everyone else got two, if not more in some cases. It was never explained to me why I only get one. I also have to say the organisers made little or no effort being the only non national in the group. This I found really poor. One guy did his best and that's all that's expected due to communication challenges. An effort is always appreciated! The guide to my dive did make me feel I was in good hands. I definitely would not recommend doing this trip if you've no Portuguese. I rarely give bad reviews but felt invisible on…”

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4.Arraial do Cabo Scuba Diving Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 5 reviews · 10 hours · from $255

Travel from Rio’s South Zone to Arraial do Cabo for a small-group sea trip with an instructor, full scuba gear, and one tank for beginners or two for certified participants. Guide Bruno has led the drive with local snacks and useful explanations. Expect cool water, time on a boat, and a long day on the road.

“(Part 1) I visited Rio de Janeiro a week ago. I wanted to book one day scuba diving trip. Safety was an important aspect, as I was alone. This is why I was looking for arrangement with hotel pick up option. Among numerous online offers I have found GetYourGuide platform. This platform had the most detailed description of the trip, especially about the diving. This was the reason to choose this option. There were positive and negative impressions. Positive: Bruno was my guide. Very dedicated to his job, with official and respectful approach to the client. He was giving many interesting pieces of information during relatively long trip (2.5 hours)…”

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5.Best Dive Experience All Inclusive Scuba Diving Package

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 10 hours · from $240Top rated

Leave Rio by comfortable vehicle for Arraial do Cabo, where beginners receive instruction and certified scuba divers can make two guided descents. Equipment, transport and a guide are included. Benito has helped with the marina transfer, while English-speaking instructor Luka has led underwater outings. Allow about 10 hours, and bring a jacket for the ride.

“Pick up was timely. The vehicle was comfortable and Benito was friendly and his English was very good. He got me through the marina and to the dive operator. An English speaking instructor got me set up for the dive and gave me a briefing before turning me over to Luka who led the dive. I was the only certified diver on the boat and got personal attention.”

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