Arraial in October

[wrysys]

We're planning our honeymoon in October and were thinking about squeezing some dives in while in Rio. Arraial seems to be the closest. Any recommendations on shops and dive sites for 1 -2 days? Thanks. How cold is the water there in October and do you recommend just renting a car to get out there and get on a boat? Also looking for any recommend dive shops. Seems Arraial Sub was recommended.

Thanks

 

[apadua]

Arraial is a poor city with very simple accomodations and not much to do. I'd recommend you stay in neighboring Buzios (an easy 40 minute drive).

Dive in Arraial, though - much nicer than Buzios. I totally recommend PL Divers (www.pldivers.com.br). Extremely nice people, concerned with dive site and visibility (they'll sometimes get to a site, look down at the water and say "this is murky - let's go somewhere else"). (i'm not affiliated in any way, i just like them )

Renting a car is fine - I'll be a 2-3hour drive.

Warning: October 12th is a national holiday, and both Arraial and Buzios will probably be crowded. If you're planning on the weekend of Oct 9-12, then DEFINITELY stay in Buzios, and your drive will probably take an extra hour or so, depending on when you go (friday night/Sat AM will be the worse).

 

[Savoir]

I dived with Over Sea located in Cabo Frio. 150 reais for two dives. Very professional team with excellent equipment. Pictues from my blog: julian. posterous. com/jour-126

 

[VJey]

I think Oversea is the best dive operator in region (www.overseadivecenter.com.br), and I prefer to stay in Cabo Frio, because there are better restaurants and acomodations than Arraial.