Diving with Turtles in Floripa

Watching turtles swim by on a short, beginner-friendly scuba trip is the main draw in Florianopolis. You start on land with clear instruction, then head out to a sheltered area where you can spend real time underwater. I also like that this is set up as a small-group outing, so you get more personal attention than on big boats. One possible drawback, especially if you are chasing turtles hard, is that wildlife and water visibility depend on conditions.

What really wins me over is the way they coach first-timers. The team builds in a safety and technical briefing before you board, and then instructors stay close while you practice the basics underwater. I like that you are not locked into only one format either, you can do scuba and you may also have snorkeling time during the same trip.

The other thing to think about is the schedule length. It runs about 3 to 4 hours, but some days the underwater time can shift if there is navigation or water-condition trouble, and the experience may run shorter than you expect.

Key highlights at a glance

• Turtles, plus plenty of fish time: you go for wildlife you can actually see, not just a training exercise
• Small boat, up to 8 people: easier to get help, faster to adjust if you feel unsure
• Structured training first: a safety and technical briefing before you enter the water
• Scuba for some, snorkeling for others: you are likely to still enjoy the day even if you are not doing full scuba
• Xavier Island area: a short boat ride that keeps the experience focused and efficient
• A fruit snack on the clock: quick recovery after you get wet, plus water included

Where this trip fits in your Florianopolis plans

Florianopolis is not short on beaches, but this outing gives you something different from the usual sand, views, and seafood routine. If you want a morning activity that feels like a mini adventure, this is a strong pick. It is also a good option if you are staying in or near Barra da Lagoa, because the meeting point is right there at Marina Barra Náutica in Barra da Lagoa.

The format matters. You are not spending the whole day commuting. You check in at 8:00, get briefed by 8:15, and you are heading out by 8:45. That tight structure keeps the energy up and makes it easier to fit into a beach-heavy itinerary without turning your trip into a logistics project.

Also, this is a beginner style experience. You are going to practice and get supervised, not thrown into the deep end. If your goal is to see marine life and get your first taste of scuba, it hits that target well.

Price and value: what your $97.82 gets you

At $97.82 per person, this is priced like an activity that includes the real costs: equipment, guide attention, and a boat trip. And that is what you are getting here.

Here is what is included:

• Snacks: fresh tropical fruits and water
• Use of scuba equipment
• All fees and taxes
• Professional accompaniment by a qualified divemaster or instructor
• Boat trip to and from the dive site

Two items to note:

• Transport to the meeting point is not included, so you need to plan how you will reach Marina Barra Náutica in Barra da Lagoa.
• Underwater videos are extra cost (R$ 100).

In practice, the “value” is less about the number on the tag and more about the total package. Equipment and supervision are expensive when you try to assemble them yourself. Here, they hand you the gear and pair you with an instructor for your first time in the water. That is the part you want to pay for.

One more detail that affects value: the group limit is up to 8 travelers. Fewer people means more room for questions and corrections. You feel it during the briefing and you feel it once you are underwater.

The morning schedule, step by step (and why it works)

This is a classic half-day flow that keeps you from waiting around all morning.

Check-in and briefing at the marina

• 8:00 am: Start at Marina Barra Náutica (R. Raulino Hermógenes Coelho, 35-47, Barra da Lagoa)
• After check-in, there is a safety and technical briefing at 8:15
• 8:45 am: Boarding

Why it matters: that briefing is not just a formality. It sets expectations for what you will do in the water, and it is part of why many first-timers feel comfortable once they are geared up.

Boat ride to Xavier Island area

• 8:45 to around 9:15: You travel to the Xavier Island area
• 9:30-ish: The underwater portion begins

Arrival time can shift depending on navigation conditions. So if you are the type who hates uncertainty, keep your morning flexible. But the good news is that the crew is built for this, and the schedule stays tight enough that you should still get a full experience.

The underwater time window

You can expect about 30 minutes for the underwater portion, with some people doing scuba and others snorkeling. Then you continue with time for snorkeling and relaxation, and you get a fruit snack at 10:30.

That mix is a practical touch. If you are anxious about scuba, snorkeling can still give you a satisfying marine-life moment. If you are confident, you get the scuba experience and then you can keep looking around.

Return to the marina

• Return is usually between 11:30 and 12:30, depending on the day’s group size and conditions

So yes, the activity is listed around 4 hours, but some days it can come in a bit shorter or stretch toward the upper end. Plan for that, especially if you have lunch reservations.

What happens at the stops: Barra da Lagoa Beach and Piscinas Naturais

You pass through two notable areas as part of the route:

• Barra da Lagoa Beach
• Piscinas Naturais Barra da Lagoa

What you can take from that:

• Barra da Lagoa Beach is where you’re anchored in the local setting, and it makes the outing feel grounded rather than like a random far-away transfer.
• Piscinas Naturais Barra da Lagoa usually signals shallow water and easy viewing. In other words, it is a natural place for snorkeling and a calm-water feeling, even if the main underwater part is scuba for some participants.

Even if you do scuba for your main session, the snorkeling time afterward helps you slow down and really look at what is around you without the same level of attention scuba requires. It is a nice combo that makes the trip feel longer in a good way.

Your crew: the kind of supervision that matters for first-timers

This is not a solo sport. You want instructors who are calm, close, and clear. That is exactly what shows up in the strongest feedback about this experience.

Two names come up in the reviews:

• Eduardo, the instructor
• Sérgio, the boat captain

One review described Eduardo staying right by the side and checking in every few minutes during the first-time experience. That kind of reassurance makes a real difference when you are trying to focus on breathing, buoyancy, and staying relaxed.

Also, the boat is described as small. A small boat is not automatically better, but for this type of activity it often means:

• quicker communication
• less chaos during gear and boarding
• more personal attention from the captain and team

You should still pay attention to the briefing and ask questions early. But if you want the best chance at feeling comfortable fast, the supervision style here is a big plus.

What you can realistically see: turtles and lots of fish

Your expectation should be “high chance of marine life,” not “guaranteed turtles every time.” The experience does go out with turtles in mind, and the best moments described are consistent: turtles plus lots of colorful fish.

A few useful details from real experiences:

• Many participants report seeing turtles.
• You can expect a mix of sea life, including fish variety, and some reports include eels and crabs.
• One person specifically notes they were able to pet a sea turtle.

Important reality check: the crew can only work with the day’s conditions. Water clarity and marine activity can change with weather and currents. That is not unique to this tour. It is just the ocean being the ocean.

The good news is that even when turtle viewing is not perfect, you are still getting a structured underwater experience plus snorkeling time. So you are not stuck with a total disappointment if conditions are average.

How long is long enough, and what if conditions change?

The planned underwater portion is about 30 minutes, then you get more time for snorkeling and relaxation. Many people say it was plenty, even if one review felt the trip ran shorter than listed.

Here is the practical takeaway: do not judge the trip by an exact minute count. Judge it by the overall experience flow. You are getting the boat ride, the training, the underwater time, and the post-water snorkeling and snack. That is the value.

Also, be aware that water conditions can affect the day. One review explained that if the scheduled plan could not happen due to water conditions, they arranged a second attempt on a different day. That is reassuring. It means the operator is not ignoring the problem. They try again when conditions are better.

Comfort and safety: what you should do before you go

This activity is for most travelers, but it does have a basic physical requirement: you need comfort in the water and a basic level of fitness.

If you are deciding whether you are ready, here is what to think about:

• Can you calmly float and breathe without panic?
• Can you follow simple instructions quickly?
• Are you able to stay relaxed even if there is wind or chop?

If yes, you are probably a good match. If no, you might feel stressed once you are geared up.

Practical tips to make your day easier:

• Arrive on time for the 8:00 check-in so the briefing and boarding stay smooth.
• Bring swimwear you can keep comfortable after the water portion.
• Plan for wet conditions, because you will be out on a boat and in the water as part of the activity.

Who should book this scuba-and-snorkel experience

This is a strong fit if:

• You want your first scuba experience with close guidance
• You care more about seeing marine life than spending days training
• You prefer small groups and direct supervision
• You also enjoy snorkeling, since part of the group will snorkel and everyone may get relaxation/snorkel time afterward

It is not the best fit if:

• You want a guaranteed viewing of turtles no matter what the ocean does
• You hate the idea that water conditions can adjust the schedule
• You need included transportation from your hotel, because transport to the meeting point is not included

Should you book it?

Book it if you want a short, guided marine-life morning near Florianopolis with the right balance of instruction and actual underwater time. The small group size, the structured briefing, and the close attention from the instructor and captain are the big reasons this experience earns such high marks.

Skip or reconsider if you are relying on perfect visibility and perfect turtle luck. Even with good operators, nature controls the details.

If you go, do one thing that makes a difference: take the safety and technical briefing seriously. When you understand the basics before you enter the water, your whole experience gets better, fast.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The activity is typically about 4 hours, but it can be closer to 3 to 4 hours depending on the number of participants and navigation conditions.

What time and where does it start?

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

Is transportation to the meeting point included?

No. Transport to Marina Barra Náutica is not included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The price includes tropical fruit snacks and water, use of scuba equipment, all fees and taxes, professional supervision, and the boat trip to and from the dive area.

Are underwater videos included?

No. Underwater videos cost extra (R$ 100).

What if weather or water conditions are bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. If conditions on the day make the main plan difficult, the team may adjust and you may be able to try again on a different day.