Diving in Porto de Galinhas: snorkeling, try dives and wrecks

Porto de Galinhas has diving for all levels. The simplest is snorkeling in the natural pools, with a mask and snorkel. There is also scuba diving, from try dives for beginners to shipwrecks for certified divers. In every case, the tide and visibility rule the day.

The three levels

Snorkeling in the natural pools

The natural pools in front of the village are the most popular spot. Ipojuca City Hall mentions colorful fish and coral and lists snorkeling and diving among the activities. You get there by jangada (traditional raft boat) at low tide.

At Muro Alto, the wall of reefs forms a pool of calm water. The city hall mentions fish watching with a snorkel there. At Serrambi, some reef-sheltered stretches are also good for snorkeling at low tide.

Official tide times come from the Brazilian Navy tide tables for Porto de Suape. See how to use them in the tide table.

Try dive with a tank

A try dive is your first experience with scuba gear. An instructor stays with you the whole time, after a briefing on land. Choose an operator whose instructors are accredited by a recognized certification agency. Mention any health problems, such as ear or heart conditions. The operator may ask for a medical assessment.

Shipwrecks off Serrambi

Dive operators and centers mention wrecks around 30 meters deep off Serrambi:

• Marte tugboat: sunk on purpose in 1998 to become an artificial reef, at about 32 m, according to the Brasil Mergulho website.
• Gonçalo Coelho: a landing ship sunk in 1999 as an artificial reef, according to Wikipedia.
• Galeão Serrambi: an old, broken-up wreck at about 34 m, linked by a line to the Marte, according to Brasil Mergulho.

These are deep dives for divers with matching certification and experience. Confirm with the operator the required level, the use of nitrox and the conditions on the day.

Gear

For snorkeling, a well-fitting mask, a snorkel and short fins are enough. If you are not a strong swimmer, wear a life jacket. A rash guard protects your back from the sun, as it is exposed the whole time. Water shoes help you get in and out without stepping on sea urchins or coral.

For scuba diving, the operator provides the equipment. Certified divers should bring their certification card and logbook, which the operator may ask for.

Environmental rules

Ipojuca City Hall asks for three things: do not touch the coral, do not feed the fish and pick up your trash. In practice, that also means:

• not standing on the reefs;
• not taking shells, coral or animals;
• using sunscreen sparingly and letting it dry before getting in;
• keeping your distance from turtles and other animals.

When to go

Visibility varies with rain, wind and season. The drier period usually favors diving. See the time of year in when to go to Porto de Galinhas.

Fitting it into your itinerary

Snorkeling fits into any low-tide morning. Scuba diving takes half a day. Certified divers may want to set aside two days for wrecks. Compare outings in Porto de Galinhas tours and read the general advice in Porto de Galinhas safety.