Guarapari / Ilha Grande: two Brazilian diving destinations

The Brazilian coastline of 7408 km has a wide range of varied diving destinations to offer; the most popular sites are Abrolhos and Fernando de Noronha in the Atlantic Ocean and Bonito for freshwater diving. Ilha Grande and Guarapari are two less prominent, but nevertheless very interesting sites. Located about 500 km north of Rio de Jainero in Espirito Santo, Guarapari is a popular holiday destination for Brazilians. No miracle, with 23 beaches and mountains piling up in the background. But the more beautiful beaches are situated a little outside of the city. The diving school Atlantes is one of the most professional diving bases of Brazil.

A sunken coffee freighter
There are six diving sites off Guarapari and all of them are diversified and worthwhile. The wreck of the Belucia, a coffee freighter of 102 metres, built in 1888 and sunk in 1903, provides for a special dive. Today the wreck is completely covered with vegetation und home of numerous species of fish. Two dives are advisable to see the whole wreck, because when it sunk the ship broke into two parts which are now lying quite a distance apart from each other.

Two rocky islands offer marine diversity
Further hihglights are Ilhas Rasas and Ilha Escalvada. These rocky islands arise from a depth of 20-30 m. At the slopes, jagged by caves and crags, we find Brazilian groupers, morays, stonefish and octopussies. On the ground we encounter stingrays, flying fish and crawfish. The abundance of plankton provides not only for a rich variety of fish, but lures frequently manta rays into this area.

Ilha Grande offers variety
While Guarapari is a worthwhile but small diving destination, Ilha Grande offers a greater variety of different diving spots. Five different wrecks, among them the remains of a helicopter in a depth of 8 metres, are scattered around the 30 km long and 12 km wide island alone. Point of departure for a stay on Ilha Grande are either Angra dos Reis 150 km south of Rio de Jainero or, even closer to Rio, Mangaratiba. It is advisable to pad the travel purse with "Reais" here, for the lack of banks on Ilha Grande.

Accommodation for every wallet
From both places a ferry as well as several small private boats depart daily to Vila do Abraão, the main town of the island. Private cars being prohibited on the island, one reaches the accomodation either on foot or by another boat. In Vila do Abraão there are mainly small pensions to be found - like for example the very nice family establishment Pousada Cauca - and camping-sites. However, on Ilha Grande there is the whole range of touristic accomodation - up to the deluxe resort for more than 300 US$ a day, including a private helicopter landing place.

Interesting dives for beginners and experienced divers
Besides the diving bases affiliated to the resorts, there are two independant diving schools in Vila do Abraão. The dives can be classified by three categories: suitable especially for beginners are the diving sites on the side turned towards the main land. Mostly they are rock formations rising from a sandy ground in a depth of 10-20 metres. On the ground rays and various fish can be observed, while the rocks are surrounded by numerous colourful fishes. With a little luck tortoise and swarms of mackerels can be seen, too.

At close interval with dolphins, sharks and manta rays
The diving sites at the off-shore coast are generally deeper and therefore suitable for more experienced divers. In return the chance of seeing bigger sea dwellers like sharks, dolphins and manta rays grows immensely. Moreover, the visibility is generally better on the side turned towards the Atlantic Ocean. Wreck diving is another opportunity. The dive to the sunken helicopter is definitely the most exeptional, even if the wreck of the Pinguino is the more interesting dive in terms of diving technique.

Advantages over the big competitors
Both Ilha Grande and Guarapari present themselves as beautiful diving destinations with a fascination of their own. Compared to the three hot spots Abrolhos, Fernando de Noronha and Bonito there are two considerable advantages: They are easy to reach and by far less crowded.


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