Brazil: Full of watery goodness
With its epic coastline, Brazil can cater for many watersports fans’ needs. While surfing is a popular activity in the South American country, there is so much more to immerse oneself in.
For a start, windsurfing and kitesurfing can be enjoyed in Pipa, located in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. It is found close to the capital of the state, Natal, and is home to some stunning beaches for some thrilling watersports action.
There is some terrific diving along Brazil’s coast too and there are a number of activities that fall under this bracket, including free diving. Again close to Natal, Pirangi do Norte has numerous natural bathing pools that are ideal for this.
Historic and archaeological salvage diving is another draw to the South American country. It is believed that the Brazilian coastline is home to around 11,000 shipwrecks, with 1,600 of these having already been registered in the Shipwrecks Information System. This is despite the fact that just 600 have been discovered and explored, meaning travellers may make some wonderful discoveries in their own underwater searches. One particular place worth a visit for this kind of adventure is Recife, in the State of Pernambuco, which is considered to be the capital of shipwrecks.
Visitors looking for some more natural delights can head for a dive in the Abrolhos National Marine Park, which is home to the largest quantity of corals in the South Atlantic, while Arraial do Cabo, in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, offers cave diving.
Fishing is another big draw to Brazil and visitors can either look over some of the many varieties of fish that can be found in this part of the world, or catch them before releasing them back into the ocean. Among the different species are swordfish, marlins and wahoos.
Vitoria, in the State of Espirito Santo, is a top place for some angling action. Not only is it a notable port in Brazil, but it is also host to the Ocean Fishing International Championship. The destination is thought to be the place where the largest Blue Marlin and White Marlin fish were caught as well.
Indeed, Brazil’s extensive coast operates as a habitat for numerous forms of life. Over in Pipa, visitors will find Baia dos Golfinhos where they have the chance to swim with wild dolphins. Marine turtles are also sometimes seen in the area.
Overall, 8,000 species of fish have been scientifically registered in Brazil’s waters and those wishing to see a few of them can make their way to Fernando de Noronha, in the state of Pernambuco. Boat rides and diving give visitors the chance to see various forms of life including big head turtles and dolphins.
Sailing is another top watersport in Brazil. Along the country’s 8,000km of coast, beginners and pros alike can partake in some boating activity, with some of the oldest clubs of the country found in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
Those wanting to see how the professionals do it can head to the largest sailing event in South America. The International Sailing Week, which has been taking place annually since 1973, is held in Ilhabela. Over ten days, more than 400 boats and 1,500 sailors take part in proceedings, while lectures, shows and exhibitions are also staged during this special time.
With so much on offer, Brazil seems like the perfect place for watersports fans and wildlife lovers to head to. Whether they want to get active, feast their eyes on various forms of water-based fauna or simply chill out on a beach, holidaymakers can find it all in Brazil.
