About this spot
Buraco do Inferno—Hell's Hole—lives up to its name. This advanced dive site off Fernando de Noronha drops steeply into a submarine sinkhole, with depths ranging from 18 to 40 meters. The site demands solid deep-diving skills, excellent buoyancy control, and comfort with strong currents. Only experienced divers should attempt this spot. The dive takes you down the wall of the hole itself, where rock formations create a natural amphitheater of geology. Visibility and marine life encounters depend on conditions and season; bring high expectations for an otherworldly landscape rather than guaranteed sightings. The remoteness of Fernando de Noronha means logistics are tight—plan your dive operation visits well in advance. Brazil's protection of these waters keeps the ecosystem relatively intact. Diving year-round is possible, though Atlantic swells and seasonal weather shifts affect accessibility. This is not a casual tourist dive; it's for divers who want to push depth limits in a raw, undeveloped setting. Bring a torch for the darker sections. Respect the currents and dive within your limits. Buraco do Inferno rewards preparation and discipline.
📖 Guide: Diving in Brazil: 13 Sites From Wrecks to Turtle Reefs
Best months
Dive types
Trip essentials
Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.
Trip checklist
- 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
- 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
- 📔 Dive logbook
- 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
- 🔌 Plug type C/N · 127V adapter
- 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
- 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact
Quick facts
- 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
- GPS
› Sustainability disclosures
From your departure country
- Visa: Visa-free · 90 days max
- Flight: 13h · direct
- Jet-lag: 2h east · 2 days recovery
FAQ
›When is the best time to dive Buraco do Inferno?
Diving is possible year-round at Fernando de Noronha, but Atlantic swell and weather patterns vary seasonally. Check with local dive operators for current conditions before booking, as accessibility can shift week to week.
›What depth and difficulty should I expect?
This is an advanced site. Depths reach 40 meters, with a starting point around 18m. You need solid deep-diving experience, excellent buoyancy control, and comfort managing nitrogen narcosis and current.
›What marine life might I see?
No specific species data is documented for this site. Expect typical Atlantic fauna, but treat sightings as a bonus rather than a guarantee. The sinkhole's geology is the main draw.
›How do I get there and what permits do I need?
Fernando de Noronha is a remote island off Brazil's northeast coast, reachable by air. Diving requires coordination with a local operator. There are no MPA restrictions specific to this site, but always respect federal marine protections and check current entry rules with Brazilian authorities.
