popular animals spotted off the coast of rio de janeiro are dolphins, sharks, turtles and whales - rich biodiversity is not the only treat for divers, shipwrecks and caves are also common dive sites.

a sought after area to dive, close to the city, are the cagarras islands - along the coast of rio de janeiro state many  world class diving spots are situatied - the arraial do cabo marine reserve to the east, and angra dos reis to the west, are two of the most common destinations.

the largest school and operator of diving in the city, and one of the largest in brazil, is mar do rio - located in the marina da glória, they offer regular courses, with renowned technical expertise.