Búzios: Beginner & Certified Scuba Dive Ilha de Âncora

Summary

Scuba dive Búzios islands with turtles, rays and local guides

You’ll slip into Búzios’ clear waters with an instructor right beside you—no experience needed—to spot turtles at Ilha de Âncora and swim among shoals of fish and rays. Expect honest laughs with your guide, cool ocean air, and real moments above and below the surface that might stick with you longer than you think.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the water or the gear—it was how everyone on the boat kept glancing at the horizon, like they were waiting for something. Our instructor, Paulo, handed me my wetsuit (not the easiest thing to wriggle into, by the way) and grinned when I fumbled with the zipper. “Don’t worry,” he said, “everyone does that their first time.” The air smelled salty and a bit metallic, maybe from all the tanks lined up in a row. I could feel my nerves buzzing—never been diving before, not really sure what I’d signed up for.

We reached Ilha de Âncora after about 40 minutes—waves slapping against the hull and gulls squabbling overhead. Paulo explained that this spot is called Turtle Sanctuary for a reason, and I thought he was joking until we actually saw one—a big old turtle gliding past like it had somewhere important to be. The water was cooler than I expected (Paulo said it’s usually between 19 and 24 degrees), but once we dropped below the surface everything slowed down. Fish moved in huge silvery clouds around us; sometimes you’d catch flashes of yellow or blue if you looked close enough. My mask fogged up a little so I missed Paulo’s hand signal at first—he laughed through his regulator and pointed again at a ray half-buried in sand.

We didn’t talk much underwater (obviously), but back on deck there was this easy chatter—people swapping stories about Ugly Island (which isn’t ugly at all) or how clear the visibility gets on good days. Someone passed around slices of orange while we dried off in patches of sun. It felt like everyone had their own reason for being there: some were certified divers chasing deeper spots, others just wanted to see what lived beneath Búzios’ surface for a day. Me? I just wanted to know what it felt like to breathe underwater—and now I do.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Diving adventure at Búzios spots

• Leave early for diving
• Dive with specialized instructor
• Explore Ilha de Âncora Turtle Sanctuary
• Observe marine life: fish, turtles, rays
• Dive up to 22 meters deep

Top questions

Do I need scuba certification for this dive?

No, beginners can join this scuba diving tour in Búzios with an instructor.

Where does the dive take place?

The main dive site is Ilha de Âncora (Turtle Sanctuary) near Búzios.

How deep is the dive at Ilha de Âncora?

The maximum depth is up to 22 meters at this site.

What marine life can I see during the dive?

You may see turtles, rays, large schools of fish, and other sea creatures.

Is equipment rental included for certified divers?

No, equipment rental for accredited divers is not included in the price.

What’s the water temperature like?

The temperature ranges from 19°C to 24°C depending on season.

Are there other dive sites besides Ilha de Âncora?

Yes, options include Gravatás Island, Ugly Island, White Island, and more.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels except pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day covers beginner or certified scuba diving at top Búzios sites like Ilha de Âncora’s Turtle Sanctuary alongside a specialized instructor; public transport options are nearby if you need them; service animals are allowed; equipment rental is available for beginners but not included for certified divers; plus you’ll share stories with locals between dives before heading back refreshed.