12 Fascinating "Secret Spots"

Lazy River

This not-so-secret river in Brazil features gin-clear visibility and is so calm, it’s hard to believe you’re on a drift dive
Here in Bonito, south of the Pantanal in Brazil’s state of Mato Grosso do Sul, a Byzantine network of rivers and springs has given rise to an indescribably abundant environment popular among the eco-tourist set. More recently, the Rio Sucuri has gained traction as a dive and snorkel hot spot. Thankfully, the diving isn’t difficult — you simply pick an entry point and float with the gentle current along the shallow riverbed, admiring a variety of fishes (like the piraputanga, pictured) and colorful subaquatic vegetation. As “quiet” as the river is, don’t get too comfortable: It’s not uncommon to come face to face with an anaconda or caiman.

Text and Photography by Franco Banfi