Diving with Turtles in Floripa

The main draw here is simple: you get into the sea near Xavier Island with an instructor beside you, then look for turtles, colorful fish, coral, crabs, and eels. For a first scuba experience, the small group of up to eight makes a real difference. You are not lost in a crowd or passed quickly from one guide to the next.

I like two things in particular. First, Eduardo and the other instructors take time to explain each step, which helps if breathing through equipment feels strange at first. Second, the morning includes both scuba and snorkeling, so you still have something to do while other members of the group take their turn. The drawback is that turtles and clear water are never guaranteed, and rough conditions can shorten or cancel the underwater portion.

Key points to know

• Small groups: The maximum is eight people, giving the instructor more time to watch beginners.
• First-time friendly: A safety and technical briefing comes before the boat leaves.
• Wildlife sightings: Turtles, tropical fish, coral, crabs, eels, and belt fish have all been seen, but nature sets the schedule.
• Two water activities: You can scuba or snorkel, with time for both during the morning.
• Short boat outing: The full trip lasts about three to four hours, with roughly 30 minutes set aside for the main underwater session.
• Good value for a beginner: At $97.82 per person, the price includes equipment, boat transport, instruction, fruit, water, and taxes.

A Gentle Start at Barra Náutica

Your morning begins at 8:00 am at Marina Barra Náutica, on R. Raulino Hermógenes Coelho in Barra da Lagoa. You must make your own way to the marina, so plan that part before booking. The activity ends at the same place.

At 8:15, you receive the safety and technical briefing. This is not filler. For a first-time scuba session, the briefing is where you learn how the equipment works, what to do if you feel uneasy, and how to communicate underwater. Several people have singled out the patient instruction, especially from Eduardo, who stayed close to a first-time participant and checked in regularly.

You do not need a certification for this introductory session. You do need basic fitness and comfort in the water. That distinction matters. You are not being trained for independent scuba, and you should not expect a long technical lesson. You are being introduced to the activity under direct supervision.

The boat leaves at about 8:45. Arrival near Xavier Island is expected around 9:15, though the journey can change with navigation conditions. The boat is described as small but safe, which fits the intimate feel of the outing. A smaller boat can mean less space for bags and movement, but it also keeps the group together.

The Boat Ride Toward Xavier Island

The route takes you out from Barra da Lagoa toward the waters around Xavier Island. This is the transition from a marina morning to an open-water outing, and it gives the crew time to prepare you for what comes next.

The schedule is useful but not rigid. The trip can last from three to four hours, depending on sea conditions and the number of people booked that day. If you have a tight afternoon plan, leave room after the stated return window of 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

The boat trip is included in the price, along with all fees and taxes. Transport to the marina is not included. That makes the listed price easier to judge: you are paying for the boat, equipment, supervised instruction, and refreshments in one package, but not for getting across Florianópolis to Barra da Lagoa.

What Happens Beneath the Surface

The main session begins at roughly 9:30 and lasts about 30 minutes. Some people take part in the supervised scuba session while others snorkel, then the group has time to switch activities or relax in the water.

This arrangement works well for couples, families, or friends with different comfort levels. You can try scuba while someone in your group snorkels, rather than having one person sit out for the entire outing. The exact order depends on the group and conditions.

The underwater sights can include several types of colorful fish, coral, crabs, eels, and belt fish. Turtles are the star attraction, and sightings have included more than one turtle and even the chance to gently touch one. Still, you should treat a turtle encounter as a lucky moment, not as a promise. One person made the trip on a day with poor water conditions and only saw a turtle after returning for another attempt.

Water visibility can also change. Even if the crew takes you to a well-known spot, the sea may offer limited views on a particular morning. That is the central tradeoff of any wildlife outing: the crew can take you to a promising site, but they cannot control the animals, visibility, or weather.

Why the Small Group Matters

A maximum of eight people is one of the strongest practical features of this outing. Beginners often need a little extra time to adjust to the mask, regulator, and feeling of breathing underwater. With fewer people, the instructor can pay closer attention to each person.

That personal support has been especially important for first-time participants. Eduardo has been praised for staying at a beginner’s side and checking regularly during the session. Captain Sérgio has also received strong praise for his calm and professional handling of the boat.

The small group does not mean you get unlimited underwater time. The advertised session is about 30 minutes, and the total duration may change with the day’s numbers and navigation conditions. But it does make the session feel less hurried than a large commercial boat outing.

If you are nervous, tell the instructor before entering the water. The best part of this kind of introductory activity is that you can work at a manageable pace. You should not feel pressure to continue if the equipment or conditions make you uncomfortable.

Barra da Lagoa Beach and the Natural Pools

The outing is connected to two local stops: Barra da Lagoa Beach and the natural pools near Barra da Lagoa. These names help place the activity in the broader coastal setting, though the main focus is the boat trip and time in the water near Xavier Island.

Barra da Lagoa is a practical base because the marina, beach, and water access are close together. The area gives you an easy starting point for a morning at sea rather than a full-day expedition. If you are staying in Florianópolis and want a compact outdoor activity, the location works well.

The natural pools add another way to enjoy the water when you are not using scuba equipment. You might spend part of the outing snorkeling or simply relaxing after the supervised session. The setting is best suited to people who want a short ocean activity, not those looking for a full day of exploration.

You should keep your expectations realistic. The supplied schedule gives these places as stops, but it does not promise a separate guided walk, beach lesson, or long visit at each one. The memorable part is the combination of boat access, underwater time, and the coastal setting.

Fruit, Water, and the Return Trip

At about 10:30, the crew serves fresh tropical fruit and water. It is a small touch, but it matters after time in the sea, especially on a warm morning. You do not need to plan a full meal as part of the activity, but you also should not treat the fruit snack as breakfast.

After the water time and snack, the boat returns to the marina. The expected arrival is between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. The variation comes from the number of people in the group and navigation conditions, so avoid booking an important midday commitment immediately afterward.

The return to the same meeting point keeps the logistics simple. You arrive at the marina, complete the outing, and continue with your day in Florianópolis. You are responsible for your own transport before and after the activity.

Is the $97.82 Price Fair?

At $97.82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning by the sea. It is a fair price if you want a guided first-time scuba session rather than simply renting a mask and swimming from shore.

The fee includes:

• Scuba equipment
• Boat transport to and from the site
• Supervision by a qualified divemaster or instructor
• Fresh fruit and water
• All fees and taxes

That package removes several costs that can otherwise add up. You do not need to arrange a boat separately, rent equipment on your own, or pay an extra entrance charge for the activity.

The main extra cost is underwater video, priced at R$100. I would treat this as optional. If seeing yourself underwater with turtles is important to you, the footage may be worth it. If you are trying to keep the morning affordable, your own memories and photos before or after the session may be enough.

Value also depends on conditions. A calm morning with good visibility and turtles makes the price feel strong. A rough day with reduced visibility can feel less satisfying, even though the crew and equipment remain the same. The provider may offer another date or a full refund when poor weather forces cancellation, but sea conditions can still affect what you see on a day when the boat goes out.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

I would recommend this outing to a first-time scuba participant who wants careful supervision and a short commitment. You get a taste of the activity without signing up for a certification course or a full day at sea.

It also suits couples and families with mixed interests. One person can take the scuba session while another snorkels, and the group has time to enjoy the water together. A parent and older child have already used the outing as a shared experience, with the crew explaining things patiently when needed.

You should think twice if you need guaranteed turtle sightings, perfect visibility, or a precise return time. The natural setting is the attraction, but it is also the source of uncertainty. People who dislike small boats, changing schedules, or open-water conditions may prefer a land-based activity.

Most people can participate if they have a basic level of fitness and are comfortable in the water. Service animals are allowed, and the marina is near public transportation. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Safety, Weather, and Cancellation

Safety is built into the morning through the briefing, the qualified supervision, and the small group size. This is especially helpful if you have never used scuba equipment before. The crew’s role is not only to show you fish and turtles, but also to keep the activity controlled and understandable.

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the activity are not refunded or accepted. Since cut-off times use local time in Florianópolis, check the clock before making a last-minute change.

Final Decision: Book It for the Introduction, Not the Guarantee

I would book this outing if you want a compact, well-supervised introduction to scuba near Florianópolis. The best reasons are the eight-person limit, careful instruction from people such as Eduardo and Sérgio, included equipment and boat transport, and the chance to combine scuba with snorkeling.

I would not book it solely because the name promises turtles. You may see several turtles, or you may see one, fish, coral, and other sea life instead. If you can accept that uncertainty, this is a friendly and practical way to spend a morning around Barra da Lagoa and Xavier Island.

FAQ

Where does the activity start?

It starts at 8:00 am at Marina Barra Náutica, R. Raulino Hermógenes Coelho, 35-47, Barra da Lagoa, Florianópolis, Brazil.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point, Marina Barra Náutica.

How long does the experience last?

It usually lasts about three to four hours. The return is expected between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm, depending on group size and navigation conditions.

Is scuba certification required?

The activity is designed as a supervised first-time scuba experience, so certification is not stated as a requirement. You do need basic fitness and comfort in the water.

How many people can join?

The maximum group size is eight participants.

What equipment is included?

Use of scuba equipment is included in the price.

Is snorkeling available?

Yes. Some people take part in the scuba session while others snorkel, with time for snorkeling and relaxation during the outing.

Are food and drinks included?

Fresh tropical fruit and water are included. A full meal is not listed.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also lead to another date or a full refund.