Lagoa Misteriosa
Dive into the 'Mysterious Lagoon,' a sinkhole pool with unbelievably clear, glowing blue waters, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximum visibility & light
Lagoa Misteriosa
Best Time
Maximum visibility & light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into the 'Mysterious Lagoon,' a sinkhole pool with unbelievably clear, glowing blue waters, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
"The most beautiful lagoon I have ever seen. So blue and clear. As the sunlight shines into it, everything glows, feels almost sacred."
☀️ Go on a Sunny Day
Visibility is best on sunny days, reaching up to 50 meters! :sunwithface:
🤿 Snorkel for Simplicity
Snorkeling is highly recommended for a great experience without the complexities of diving. :snorkel:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Luminous Blue Waters
Main sinkhole pool
An unbelievably clear, blue sinkhole that glows as sunlight penetrates its depths. Feels almost sacred.
Guided Scuba Diving
Sinkhole pool
Explore the depths of this unique dive site, experiencing its surreal clarity firsthand.
Snorkeling Adventure
Sinkhole pool
A fantastic way to witness the lagoon's stunning visibility and vibrant underwater world.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Visibility
Scuba vs. Snorkel: Know Your Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Go on a Sunny Day
Visibility is best on sunny days, reaching up to 50 meters! :sunwithface:
🤿 Snorkel for Simplicity
Snorkeling is highly recommended for a great experience without the complexities of diving. :snorkel:
🗣️ Language Barrier Alert
If you don't speak Portuguese, dive briefings might be minimal. :speech_balloon:
📸 Photos are Extra
Guides focus on photos; expect to pay extra for them. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Go on a Sunny Day
Visibility is best on sunny days, reaching up to 50 meters! :sunwithface:
🤿 Snorkel for Simplicity
Snorkeling is highly recommended for a great experience without the complexities of diving. :snorkel:
🗣️ Language Barrier Alert
If you don't speak Portuguese, dive briefings might be minimal. :speech_balloon:
📸 Photos are Extra
Guides focus on photos; expect to pay extra for them. :camerawithflash:
⏰ Tour Time Expectations
You'll only be at the lagoon during your dive/snorkel time. Other waiting periods are at a separate restaurant area. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the breathtakingly clear, luminous blue waters of Lagoa Misteriosa, describing it as a magical and almost sacred experience. While the natural beauty is undeniable, some guests have noted concerns regarding dive safety standards and communication for non-Portuguese speakers. The tour structure, which separates activity time from waiting periods, has also been a point of disappointment for some expecting a full day at the lagoon itself.
"The most beautiful lagoon I have ever seen. So blue and clear. As the sunlight shines into it, everything glows, feels almost sacred.
Please check this out. You won’t regret it."
yvonne bao
"The scuba dive itself was incredibly cool. Lagoa Misteriosa is an incredibly beautiful dive site.
However, for anybody wanting to visit, there are two things to keep in mind:
Dive safety is on a Brazilian Standard. Meaning: don't expect safety to be the top priority during your dive. The o-ring of my tank was leaking, and they said its ok and won't matter as long as my ppm isn't going down. Even if there isn't any significant amount of air leaving the tank, a leaky o-ring could lead to several other issues that could end up being more dramatic.
Secondly, they didn't have enough guides to accustom to each of our different certification levels. So what they did was take me, an Open Water Diver, who is allowed to go down to 18m, together with an advanced Open Water Diver, who is allowed down to 30m, together with one guide. They then said I should wait at 18m ALONE for 10 minutes while the guide and other client go down to 30m together. This choice completely disregards the buddy system which you are supposed to follow as a diver. I was very disappointed in the lack of safety concern.
Secondly, the pictures and marketing of the tour is quite deceiving. It makes you think you will be spending the entire day at Lagoa Misteriosa, which is not true. You will ONLY be at the lagoon during the dive. Before and after, while you wait for your transport or food or whatever, you will be brought to a completely different area with nothing else than a restaurant and hammocks. This was quite disappointing, as I was expecting to spend the day at the lagoon and relax by the water.
Either way, it was still an incredible experience. Just make sure you keep these two things within your expectations so you are not disappointed."
Luca Vincent
"This place is unbelievable for scuba or snorkel. Its like swimming in a pool."
Henrique Ulivi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lagoa Misteriosa is located near Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Access is typically via organized tours that include transportation from Bonito. Many tours depart from Bonito city center. :bus:
Yes, most tours to Lagoa Misteriosa include round-trip transportation from Bonito. Confirm this when booking. :car:
The travel time can vary depending on the tour operator and pick-up points, but it's generally around 30-60 minutes by van or bus. :stopwatch:
While it might be possible to drive, it's often more convenient and sometimes required to book through an agency that handles access and transport. :road:
The roads leading to the attractions around Bonito can be unpaved. Tours are equipped to handle these conditions. :gravel:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary by tour operator and activity (snorkeling vs. scuba diving). It's best to check current prices with local agencies in Bonito. Expect costs to be in the mid-range for Bonito attractions. :moneybag:
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, as tours can sell out. :calendar:
Tours typically include entrance fees, guided snorkeling or scuba diving, and sometimes transportation. Check what's included before booking. :ticket:
Attractions in Bonito operate on scheduled tour times. Your booked tour will have a specific start time. :clock1:
For scuba diving, standard PADI/certification requirements apply. Snorkeling is generally accessible to most. Consult your tour operator for specific restrictions. :medical_symbol:
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The main activities are guided snorkeling and scuba diving in the incredibly clear blue waters of the sinkhole. :fish:
The water is exceptionally clear, with visibility sometimes reaching up to 50 meters on sunny days. :crystal_ball:
Wear a swimsuit. Wetsuits are usually provided for diving and sometimes for snorkeling, especially in cooler months. :wetsuit:
Yes, but guides often take photos and videos for an additional fee. Bringing your own waterproof camera is also an option. :camera:
The water temperature is consistently cool, around 22-24°C (72-75°F) year-round. :snowflake:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is typically a restaurant on-site or at a nearby facility where tours often stop. :restaurant:
It's best to check with your tour operator. Some sites may have restrictions on outside food. :apple:
Expect regional Brazilian cuisine, often buffet-style, at the restaurant facilities associated with the tours. :forkandknife:
Options can vary. It's advisable to inquire with the tour operator or restaurant in advance if you have specific dietary needs. :leafy_green:
Alcoholic beverages are usually available for purchase at the on-site restaurants. :beer:
📸 📸 Photography
Mid-morning, between 10 a.m. and noon, on a sunny day offers the best light and visibility for stunning photos. :sunriseovermountains:
Yes, you can bring your own camera, especially a waterproof one for underwater shots. :camerawithflash:
Yes, guides often offer professional photo and video services for an additional fee. :movie_camera:
The intense blue can be challenging to capture accurately, and managing underwater shots requires practice or professional help. :underwater:
Shots capturing the surreal blue glow, divers/snorkelers suspended in the clear water, and the unique sinkhole formations are very popular. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While scuba diving is an option for certified divers, snorkeling is the most accessible activity for younger children or those new to water sports. The waiting areas at the associated restaurants offer a place for non-participants to relax. Remember to check age restrictions for specific tours when booking. :family_ww:
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to save on costs at the on-site restaurants, though always check if outside food is permitted. Booking tours in advance can sometimes secure better rates. :moneywithwings:
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While guides offer photo services, bringing your own waterproof camera or action camera is highly recommended to capture the unique underwater shots. Be prepared for the vibrant colors and the surreal feeling of the environment. :underwater:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Blue
When sunlight hits the water, the dissolved minerals and the water itself scatter light. Blue light is scattered more effectively than other colors, which is why the water appears so intensely blue. The deeper the water and the purer it is, the more pronounced this effect becomes. Visitors often describe the experience as feeling like they are floating in a pool of liquid sky or a sacred space, a testament to the unique optical properties of this natural wonder.
For those interested in scuba diving, Lagoa Misteriosa offers a unique environment. However, it's important to be aware of the dive safety standards mentioned by some visitors, which may differ from international expectations. The depth can reach up to 200 meters, though recreational dives are limited to much shallower depths. The visibility, often exceeding 50 meters, provides an unparalleled underwater experience for both divers and snorkelers.
Snorkeling vs. Scuba Diving: Making the Choice
Scuba diving at Lagoa Misteriosa provides a more immersive experience, allowing you to descend deeper into the sinkhole. Certified divers can explore the unique underwater topography and experience the surreal feeling of floating in such clear, deep water. However, some reviews suggest that dive safety protocols and pre-dive briefings might not meet international standards, especially for non-Portuguese speakers. If you choose to dive, ensure you are comfortable with the operator's procedures and your own certification level.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your comfort level, budget, and desired experience. Both activities offer a chance to marvel at the 'mysterious' blue waters. If you're looking for a straightforward, visually stunning experience, snorkeling is excellent. If you're a certified diver seeking a unique dive site, scuba diving is an option, but be sure to research operators thoroughly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit