Most recent published work aims to understand pre-salt carbonates interval development and depositional environment conditions. Previous contributions which debate about rift extension usually consist of regional analysis regarding the South Atlantic Ocean opening and keep the debate about syn-rift and sag stage limits. This work uses 3D seismic volume analysis, structural contour maps and isopach maps analysis in order to understand and establish rift extension development in Santos Basin pre-salt interval. Our analysis concludes that the pre-salt interval is inserted into the syn-rift context, divided into 3 phases: Lower Rift, Upper Rift and Later Rift. Fault analysis shows that the 3 main fault directions act as a structural control for the rift phases. Lower and Upper Rifts are controlled by SW-NE and N–S trend faults, while Later Rift is controlled by SE-NW trend faults. Seismic interpretation and well log analysis indicates that, at Santos Basin, Lower Rift includes Camboriú and Piçarras Formation, Upper Rift comprehend Itapema and Lower Barra Velha Formation, while Later Rift contains Upper Barra Velha Formation, as sag-type basin.