SCUBER DIVING

Scuba diving is one of the most sought after activities of those people who choose to visit Porto de Galinhas, It’s popularity is generated because of the spectacular visibility, the temperature of the water (approximately 27°) and the huge array of diving schools on offer. Fortunately, all the choices on offer live up to the expected potential and the conditions for learning how to scuba dive are perfect all year round. However, for the best of the best circumstances, it is recommended to visit Porto de Galinhas with scuba diving in mind between the months of September and April.

How to choose the right scuba diving center for you…

Your most important task will be choosing a scuba diving school in Porto de Galinhas, or any other destination in the area, that is accredited with SSI (Scuba Schools International) or PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). Both associations are the two most important associations in the world of scuba diving. They both work to strengthen the scuba diving industry on a practical and educational level, which works to generate a much better experience for the scuba diver overall.

Different kinds of Scuba Diving. Which kind should I try?

Baptism is the kind of scuba diving recommended for those people who have never attempted to scuba dive in their lives before. It doesn’t matter how old you are and it doesn’t even matter if you know how to swim or not. Everyone can experience what is known as Baptism.

The experience includes:

  • Theoretical class of 15/20 minutes
  • A trip of about 200 meters off of the coast in a banana boat
  • Full kit: (life-jacket, mask, flippers, etc.)
  • Introduction to the water on the surface in the moments before the scuba dive
  • 25/30 minutes of scuba diving
  • The opportunity to travel down to a depth of up to 6 meters
  • An accredited guide from the SSI to accompany you throughout the entire experience
  • A large quantity of underwater photographs, taken by your instructor, which will be given to you at the end of the course

Scuba diving for those people who are already accredited

This kind of scuba diving takes place in deep sea conditions and is available for those people who have already taken a scuba diving course and who can present their corresponding accreditation. It is also possible to follow this program in order to obtain a certification in scuba diving. This course provides the opportunity to be able to scuba dive up to a depth of 40 meters.

In Porto de Galinhas, there are many excursions at this level in the surrounding beaches as well as in locations closer to Recife and Serrambi. The majority of the schools take you to deserted, isolated locations.

A few pieces of advice to bear in mind!

The best time to practice scuba diving in Porto de Galinhas is at low tide (consult the low tide timetable) and on a sunny day.

A really great spot for scuba divers is Poço da Paixao, which is really close to the fishing area in Porto de Galinhas. The coral formations in this spot are really complex and they make way for the creation of tunnels which scuba divers can swim into. This particular area is also a fantastic place to go diving at night if you happen to be a professional scuba diver or if you have some kind of experience in the world of scuba diving and feel confident enough to try this challenge.

Along the central beaches of Porto de Galinhas, it is possible go snorkelling. Snorkels can be rented at a low price on any of the beaches or bought from any one of the stores in the shopping malls in the centre. AICA Diving is the most recommended scuba diving institution to get in contact with. For inexperienced divers (looking to try out the “baptism” courses), any of the companies offering courses in Porto de Galinhas will provide an excellent service.