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Laje Viva Institute - Diving at Laje de Santos
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Diving at Laje de Santos

Photo: Maurício Andrade |
Moreia Wreck
Located near the East end of Laje, near the "mouth of
the whale", this abandoned fishing boat from Bertioga was
sunk to attract marine life and tourism in 1995.
Due to it’s unstable situation, penetration is not
recommended. The control cabin has collapsed. Several species of
invertebrates (anemonas, gorgonias), groupers and other fish are
also seen. Depending on the conditions, cold water and currents
may turn this into an uncomfortable dive, but it does not
present huge difficulties if the dive is guided by someone that
knows this dive site. Maximum depth is 22 meters. |

Photo: Rafael Fuganti |
Anchor Ledge
Located on the west end of Laje. Several anchors from fishing
boats have been lost among the rocks. Big Groupers, pelagic
fish, ceriantos and poliquets are characteristics of this dive
spot. Requires AOW certification due to the depth and current
possibilities, since this dive spot eventually looses protection
from the emerse portion of Laje de Santos. Maximum depth, 40
meters. |

Photo: Ana Paula Balboni |
Swimming Pools
One of the most enjoyed dive spots at Laje, due to the large
population of reef fish and marine turtles. Located at the west
corner of the rock formation, the presence of currents is common
and must be taken in consideration. Depths range from 6m near
the rocks to 35 meters on the deep end. |

Photo: Rafael Fuganti |
The Wall (open oceanside)
This is the south face of Laje. Almost a vertical rock wall,
going down to 35 meters. There is an opening around 16 meters
that provides access to the inside of Laje, where many fish are
found taking shelter.
Usually, many pelagic fish and marine turtles present
themselves during the dive. This dive requires Advanced
certification and good experience from the diver. It’s also a
Drift dive, since anchoring the boat is not possible. |

Photo: Rafael Fuganti |
The Whale’s Mouth
This dive spot requires ideal conditions for diving, since the reflux of the waves can be violent at times. It is the East side of Laje. Marine life includes the possibility of spotting large fish, such as Potato Cods, and large schools. |

Photo: Rafael Fuganti |
The Port
North face, it’s Laje’s most accessible and easiest dive.
The dive boats have moorings on this part of the formation. Rock
formations that go down diagonally to 18 meters to a sand bottom
provide shelter to reef fish and invertebrates. Sting rays can
be found resting on the sandy bottom. Maximum depth, 18 meters. |

Photo: Rafael Fuganti |
Calhaus
Around 2 miles from Laje, direction southwest, it’s a rock
formation that has an "U" shaped tunnel in the middle
with an open arch above water. Maximum depth on the tunnel is 18
meters. Be advised that the tunnel requires a peak buoyancy
control from the diver due to the changing depth.
Outside, Calhaus reaches depths of 30 meters, with boulders
and rock ledges creating interesting structures. This spot
provides the opportunity of seeing large pelagic schools of fish
and several species of rays. |

Photo: Rafael Fuganti |
New Ledge
Aligned with Calhaus, but to the west. This rock formation
starts at 26 meters, going down to over 40 meters. No shelter,
lots of currents. This is a dive for Advanced and Experienced
divers only, and requires a pristine sense of direction. |
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