Búzios: Beginner Scuba Dive with Instructor & Full Gear

Summary

First time diving in Búzios with a patient local guide

You’ll slip into full scuba gear at João Fernandes Beach and learn step-by-step from a patient local instructor—even if you can’t swim. After a gentle intro in shallow water, you’ll dive up to 8 meters deep for thirty minutes, discovering colorful marine life side by side with your guide. Expect laughter, nerves, and that unforgettable hush beneath the waves.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the wetsuit felt—awkward and kind of tight, like trying on someone else’s skin. João Fernandes Beach was already busy, but our instructor, Pedro, found us a quiet spot at the right corner where the water looked almost glassy. He grinned and said something about “baptismo,” which made me laugh because it did feel like a weird sort of rebirth, standing there with flippers on my feet and a mask fogging up every time I breathed.

I’d never tried scuba before (honestly, I can barely swim), so when Pedro explained that you don’t need to know how to swim for this beginner dive, I half didn’t believe him. But he walked us through every piece of gear—mask, regulator, vest—until it all felt less alien. The salt air mixed with sunscreen and that faint rubbery smell from the equipment. My heart thudded as we waded in; Pedro kept checking if I was okay, nodding encouragement even when I hesitated putting my face under.

Once we were under, everything got quiet except for my own breath echoing in the regulator. It’s strange how fast you forget about the surface—the sunlight flickered above us and tiny fish darted around like confetti. Pedro stayed right next to me the whole thirty minutes (maybe more? Time went weird down there), pointing out sea urchins and these bright blue fish whose names I couldn’t catch. At one point he gave me a thumbs-up; I think I grinned back but who knows if he saw it behind my mask.

I still think about that feeling—weightless but grounded at the same time. When we surfaced again, everything seemed louder and brighter than before. There was sand stuck inside my wetsuit and my hair was a mess, but honestly? Didn’t care at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Diving Baptism at João Fernandes Beach

• Receive brief equipment explanation
• Adapt in water with instructor
• Dive with instructor support
• Experience underwater breathing sensation
• Complete approximately 80-minute program

Top questions

Do I need to know how to swim for this beginner dive?

No, swimming skills are not required for this experience.

How long does the beginner scuba diving session last?

The total program lasts about 1 hour 20 minutes, including briefing and adaptation.

Is all scuba equipment provided for the dive?

Yes, all necessary equipment is included: wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, regulator, vest, cylinders and ballast.

Where does the dive take place in Búzios?

The dive starts from João Fernandes Beach (right corner).

Is this activity suitable for people who use wheelchairs?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

Can children or families join this beginner diving experience?

This activity is recommended for all fitness levels and families.

Will there be an instructor with me during the entire dive?

Yes, a local instructor stays with you throughout both preparation and underwater time.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to João Fernandes Beach.

What’s included

Your session includes all scuba diving equipment—mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuit, regulator vest plus cylinders—and starts with an easygoing theory class followed by unlimited adaptation time in shallow water before your guided 30-minute dive alongside an experienced local instructor.