Anchor Island: Your Secret Dive into Búzios Paradise (2026)
Anchor Island is Búzios' best-kept secret for diving lovers. Beyond the beaches, dive into a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. Discover the best dive spots and the local pro tips.
Anchor Island: Your Secret Dive into Búzios Paradise (2026)
Búzios, known for its dreamy beaches and vibrant nightlife, holds a hidden treasure beneath its crystal-clear waters: Anchor Island. While diving in Búzios offers several options, an expedition to this island is a separate experience, a close encounter with nature in its purest form. Forget the crowds and get ready to discover an underwater ecosystem brimming with life. If you are looking for a breathtaking aquatic adventure, Anchor Island is your destination.
As we saw in our previous guide on diving in Búzios, Anchor Island stands out for its abundant and varied marine life, but here we will tell you everything you need to know to make the most of your dive. From the most spectacular dive spots to tips from local divers, this guide will prepare you for an unforgettable experience.
Why choose Anchor Island for diving in Búzios?
Anchor Island offers a superior diving experience compared to other spots in the region due to several factors:
- Greater biodiversity: The island is home to a higher concentration of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, moray eels and even, with luck, a dolphin.
- Clearer waters: The island's location, away from the coast, guarantees greater visibility, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of the seabed.
- Fewer people: Unlike other more popular dive sites, Anchor Island offers a more intimate and quieter experience.
- Impressive rock formations: The underwater relief of the island is spectacular, with rock formations that create caves and passageways that serve as refuge for marine life.
"Diving on Anchor Island is like entering a giant aquarium. The number of fish and the clarity of the water are incredible." – Juan, Certified diving instructor.
Choosing your Expedition: Baptism or Certified Dive
As we mentioned before, there are two main ways to enjoy diving in Anchor Island, depending on your experience level:
- Baptism Dive (Discovery Dive): Ideal for beginners who want to experience the thrill of breathing underwater for the first time. No previous experience is required and the instructors will guide you every step of the way.
- Certified Dive: If you already have a diving certification (PADI, SSI, etc.), you can explore the deepest and most challenging dive spots on the island.
Comparative Table: Baptism vs. Certified Dive on Anchor Island
| Feature | Baptism Dive | Certified Dive | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required experience | None | Diving certification (PADI, SSI, etc.) | |
| Maximum depth | Generally up to 5-6 meters (16-20 feet) | Depends on certification (up to 18-30 meters/60-100 feet) | |
| Approximate duration | 4 hours (boat trip + dive) | 4 hours (boat trip + dives) | |
| Difficulty level | Easy | Moderate to difficult (depending on dive spot) | |
| Necessary equipment | Provided by the operator | Own or rented | |
| Approximate Price (R$) | R$400 (aprox. $80 USD) | Check rates |
Featured Dive Sites on Anchor Island
Anchor Island offers several dive sites, each with its particular charm. Some of the most popular are:
- Gruta da Tartaruga (Turtle Cave): Famous for the large number of sea turtles that visit it. Ideal for beginners and underwater photographers.
- Paredão da Âncora (Anchor Wall): An impressive rock wall that descends to 30 meters (100 feet) deep. Ideal for experienced divers.
- Naufrágio do Barco (Shipwreck): The remains of a sunken ship, now covered in corals and inhabited by a wide variety of fish. ("This point can be delicate for safety. Always check with the guides").
What marine life awaits you on Anchor Island?
Anchor Island is a paradise for marine life lovers. You will be able to observe:
- Fish: Groupers, sargos, surgeonfish, Moorish idols, trumpet fish and many other species of vibrant colors.
- Sea turtles: It is common to find sea turtles swimming freely or resting on the rocks.
- Rays: Manta rays and stingrays are frequent visitors to the island.
- Moray eels: These fascinating fish can be seen hiding among the rocks.
- Corals: Various species of soft and hard corals adorn the seabed.
If you're lucky, you may even come across dolphins or humpback whales (in season).
Checklist for your Diving Adventure on Anchor Island
- [] Book your tour in advance, especially in high season.
- [] Check weather and sea conditions.
- [] Bring sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
- [] Wear a comfortable swimsuit.
- [] Bring a towel.
- [] If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before departure.
- [] Bring water and snacks.
- [] Underwater camera to record your experience.
- [] Do not touch or feed marine animals.
- [] Respect the environment and do not leave trash on the island.
Tips from a Local Diver (Bonus Track)
- The best time to dive: The high season (December to March) offers the best weather conditions and visibility. However, the island can be more crowded. The low season (April to November) offers lower prices and fewer people, but the weather can be more unpredictable.
- The best time: The first hours of the morning usually offer the best visibility and the calmest waters.
- Ask about secret spots: Some local operators know less crowded dive spots with more marine life. Do not hesitate to ask them!
- Respect the currents: Marine currents can be strong in some areas of the island. Follow your instructor's instructions and do not stray from the group.
Alternatives for non-divers
If you don't feel like diving, don't worry. Anchor Island also offers other activities to enjoy:
- Snorkeling: You can enjoy marine life from the surface.
- Boat trips: Enjoy panoramic views of the island and nearby beaches.
- Relax on the beach: The island has small white sand beaches where you can relax and sunbathe.
Exclusive Services from Aura House Búzios for your Adventure on Anchor Island
From Aura House Búzios, we facilitate the planning and booking of your expedition to Anchor Island. We advise you on the best diving operators, help you choose the option that best suits your level and budget, and provide you with all the information you need to enjoy an unforgettable experience. In addition, we can help you coordinate transfers and other activities in Búzios.
Our Featured Tours Include:
- 24-hour buggy rental: R$400 (aprox. $80 USD)
- Boat trip through Arraial: R$230 (aprox. $46 USD)
- Land tour of Cabo Frio: R$230 (aprox. $46 USD)
- Land tour of Arraial: R$380 (aprox. $76 USD)
- Rio de Janeiro Tour: R$380 (aprox. $76 USD)
- Buggy ride through Búzios: R$120 (aprox. $24 USD)
- Boat trip through Búzios: R$90 (aprox. $18 USD)
- Sunset boat party: R$200 (aprox. $40 USD)
- Helicopter ride over Búzios: R$380 (aprox. $76 USD)
- Rio - Búzios Transfer: R$140 (aprox. $28 USD)
- Private speedboat Búzios: R$2000 (aprox. $400 USD)
- Jardinera ride through Búzios: R$90 (aprox. $18 USD)
- Initial dive (Discovery Dive): R$220 (aprox. $44 USD)
- Intermediate dive: R$340 (aprox. $68 USD)
- Catamaran ride through Búzios: R$120 (aprox. $24 USD)
Don't wait any longer to discover the secrets of Anchor Island. Contact us today and start planning your next adventure in Búzios!
Is experience necessary to dive on Anchor Island?+
No, it is not necessary. If you have no experience, you can do a baptism dive (discovery dive), where an instructor will guide you at all times. For more advanced dives, certification is required.
What is the maximum depth I can dive to on Anchor Island?+
It depends on your level of certification. In general, baptism dives (discovery dives) are carried out at a maximum depth of 5-6 meters (16-20 feet), while certified divers can reach up to 18-30 meters (60-100 feet), depending on their certification.
What equipment do I need to dive on Anchor Island?+
If you do a baptism dive (discovery dive), the operator will provide you with all the necessary equipment. If you are a certified diver, you can use your own equipment or rent it in Búzios.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see on Anchor Island?+
Anchor Island is home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, moray eels and corals. With luck, you can also come across dolphins or humpback whales (in season).
What is the best time to dive on Anchor Island?+
The high season (December to March) offers the best weather conditions and visibility. However, the island can be more crowded. The low season (April to November) offers lower prices and fewer people, but the weather can be more unpredictable.
How can I book a diving excursion to Anchor Island from Aura House Búzios?+
At Aura House Búzios we advise you and facilitate the booking of your expedition to Anchor Island. Contact us and we will help you plan your adventure!