An accessible half‑day boat trip from Bombinhas that pairs a 35‑minute introductory dive with snorkeling and coastal cruising around Arvoredo Island or Estaleiro. Ideal for beginners seeking close encounters with reef life and turtles under guided supervision.
An accessible half‑day boat trip from Bombinhas that pairs a 35‑minute introductory dive with snorkeling and coastal cruising around Arvoredo Island or Estaleiro. Ideal for beginners seeking close encounters with reef life and turtles under guided supervision.
You step off a low-speed boat and the ocean reaches out with cool clarity, a shallow world of corals and darting fish that seems to breathe beneath the surface. The instructor checks your gear with a steady hand, and for a half-hour you glide through reef gardens where schools of fish wheel like living clouds and, if luck favors you, a hawksbill or green turtle paddles slow and steady.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Zimbros Ecotour · Bombinhas, Santa Catarina
You step off a low-speed boat and the ocean reaches out with cool clarity, a shallow world of corals and darting fish that seems to breathe beneath the surface. The instructor checks your gear with a steady hand, and for a half-hour you glide through reef gardens where schools of fish wheel like living clouds and, if luck favors you, a hawksbill or green turtle paddles slow and steady.
Ilha do Arvoredo is part of a protected marine reserve off Santa Catarina’s coast, its submarine shelves shaped by volcanic and sedimentary forces and centuries of currents that carved ledges and coral plates. Local fishermen and Porto Belo shipyards recall an older maritime economy; today conservation zones balance tourism and protection, so visits are guided and time-limited.
Expect a three-in-one outing: boat transfer, an introductory open-water dive (about 35 minutes in-water), and guided snorkeling. Equipment is provided and instructors lead briefings in Portuguese and often English. The boat snack and courtesy photos are small conveniences that make this accessible for non-certified divers.
Practical edge: visibility varies with season and swell — plan mornings for calmer seas. Wear a rash guard, bring a towel and reef‑safe sunscreen, and disclose any medical issues in advance. If you’re new to diving, relax your breathing and trust the buddy system; the experience is short but vivid, a controlled plunge into marine life where currents and coral both invite and guide you back to the surface.
moderate.
6–7 hours.
Basic swimming ability and comfort in open water; reasonable mobility for boarding small boats.
No — the baptism is an introductory dive guided by an instructor designed for non‑certified participants; you'll be briefed and tethered to an instructor underwater.
Age limits vary by operator but typically participants must be at least 10–12 years old; confirm during booking and provide exact birth dates.
Tours can be canceled for safety due to bad weather or swell; you are usually eligible for a full refund if canceled 24 hours prior or by the operator for unsafe conditions.
High‑quality scuba and snorkel equipment are provided; many operators include courtesy photos taken from the boat or surface but consider bringing a waterproof camera for personal shots.
Arvoredo and nearby islets were historically used by coastal communities and shipyards; the reserve status reflects decades of scientific interest and fisheries management in Santa Catarina.
The area includes protected zones with regulated access to protect coral and turtles; visitors should follow guide instructions, avoid touching reef, and use only reef‑safe products.
Zimbros Ecotour operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You step off a low-speed boat and the ocean reaches out with cool clarity, a shallow world of corals and darting fish that seems to breathe beneath the surface. The instructor checks your gear with a steady hand, and for a half-hour you glide through reef gardens where schools of fish wheel like living clouds and, if luck favors you, a hawksbill or green turtle paddles slow and steady.
You step off a low-speed boat and the ocean reaches out with cool clarity, a shallow world of corals and darting fish that seems to breathe beneath the surface. The instructor checks your gear with a steady hand, and for a half-hour you glide through reef gardens where schools of fish wheel like living clouds and, if luck favors you, a hawksbill or green turtle paddles slow and steady.
Ilha do Arvoredo is part of a protected marine reserve off Santa Catarina’s coast, its submarine shelves shaped by volcanic and sedimentary forces and centuries of currents that carved ledges and coral plates. Local fishermen and Porto Belo shipyards recall an older maritime economy; today conservation zones balance tourism and protection, so visits are guided and time-limited.
Expect a three-in-one outing: boat transfer, an introductory open-water dive (about 35 minutes in-water), and guided snorkeling. Equipment is provided and instructors lead briefings in Portuguese and often English. The boat snack and courtesy photos are small conveniences that make this accessible for non-certified divers.
Practical edge: visibility varies with season and swell — plan mornings for calmer seas. Wear a rash guard, bring a towel and reef‑safe sunscreen, and disclose any medical issues in advance. If you’re new to diving, relax your breathing and trust the buddy system; the experience is short but vivid, a controlled plunge into marine life where currents and coral both invite and guide you back to the surface.