Narwhal Perdizes

Founded in 1984, Narwhal is the largest dive shop and dive school in Brazil, and it wears that scale well — more than 20,000 students certified across every level, from first-timers to divers chasing advanced qualifications. As a PADI 5 Star Dive Center based in São Paulo, it spreads across four locations: three in the city itself and one in Ilhabela, on the state's north coast.

Courses and who it suits

Newcomers can start with the PADI Open Water Diver Course, which runs roughly four days. Beyond training, Narwhal offers air fills, equipment sales and scuba gear rental, all backed by a retail shop, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and parking. Portuguese is the language spoken here.

Divers can expect a rich cast of marine life across the region — sharks, whales, turtles and rays, alongside ocean fish, corals, anemones, jellyfish, molluscs and crustaceans. With decades of teaching behind it and a footprint reaching from the city to the coast, Narwhal suits anyone learning to dive or building their skills in Brazil.