Dive Review of
Atlantis in
Brazil/Fernando de Noronha

Bonaire, California, Mexico

Dive Conditions

PADI recreational dive limits were strictly enforced, no dives deeper than
60' without advanced certification  

[None]  

Overall Rating

I booked my trip with Atlantis Divers and allowed them to also book my
accomodations, which was a huge mistake.  I had 50+ dives upon arrival and
a couple of specialty courses, but did not have my advanced card.  I had
25+ dives deeper than 60', but was relegated to the open water beginner
boat until I paid $800USD for the full advanced course, at which time I was
put on the advanced boat the next morning and immediately dove to 130'.  It
was all about the $$ to them.

The dives were beautiful and the life abundant, but the currents and surge
were very strong.  This could be a great spot for advanced diving, but the
operators are set up for folks who dive only once or twice in a weeklong
vacation and did not know how to handle my situation when I asked to dive
3-4x per day.  I ended up back on the beginner boat in the afternoon, just
to get in the water.  Additionally, even with the advanced status, we still
dove the SAME three sites on three consecutive days (even though there are
15+ sites on this island).  After much complaining by numerous divers, they
finally took us to another site the following day.

Bottom line:  this is not an island for 'real' divers.  It is a beautiful
and amazing island with the best beaches in Brazil, but it is best for
honeymooners who want a couple of dives, not for folks on a true dive trip.
 Also, do not let Atlantis book your accomodations.  Look them up yourself
and prepare to spend $$.  The only really good place to stay was
$500USD/person/night.  Yes, that expensive.  $100USD/night put me in a
6'x8' hovel with a shared bathroom and no breakfast.

If you do plan on going, make it clear that you want to do multiple dives
and get them to commit to the type of plan you really want.  Atlantis is
the only operation with more than one boat, which allows for an advanced
group to do better dives.  Aguas Claras and Noronha Divers each have only
one boat.

I was also traveling solo, which is not recommended, as there is little or
no nightlife, and very few non-couples who travel to this destination. 
English is spoken, but only in a few locations. 

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