scuba diving

Fernando do Noronhas, off Natal (closest). You have to take a fairly expensive flight to get there (With the airline Trip). The islands are worth it if you can get there. Really clear water and great surfing as well, and hardly anyone around. I think I paid around 900Reais for 3 nights accomodation plus RT airfare from Natal last year, but you can just pay for the flight (around 600-700Reais RT) and arrange a pousada when you get there. There are heaps of them.

Question to Stevejoh,
Did you go through a travel agent in Recife or Natal to get to Fernando de Noronha?

YEAH! Fernando de Noronha!!
I lived there for two months!
I cannot give much advice on prices for flying there from Recife/Natal, because I went with a local Brazilin conservation organization that got me there for cheap. I know it is expensive, though.. because you also have to pay a tax for each day you are there. hotels are pricy, But I do know that you can find a pousda there for as low as 50Reals. I would recommend going to the Vila do Trinta area, and go from Pousada to Pousada asking for the best price. There are two supermarkets on the Island where you can buy food instead of eating out.. Cuz eating out is, like.. 4x the pice as on the Brazilin mainland. I dove there every week.. Yes the diving is AWESOME!( go with ATLANTIS divers- I think they are the best) .. And the beaches are pristine and uncrowded. You can hitchhike and walk everywhere.
It may be little pricey in the end, but its worth it.. there are few unspoiled tropical paradise places like this left in the world!
good luck!!