Diving in Arraial do Cabo
Why dive here
Arraial do Cabo offers some of Brazil's richest diving, with 55+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales. Water ranges 22-27°C, warmest January, February, March.
Arraial do Cabo, often called Brazil’s “Caribbean,” has a bit of a reputation, and for good reason. What we really love are the upwelling currents. They bring in nutrient-rich water, which translates to some seriously clear visibility and a surprising amount of bigger pelagic stuff for a coastal spot. We’ve had incredible encounters with schools of grunts and Caesar fish so thick they almost block the sun, especially around the rocky pinnacles. Diving here feels distinctly South Atlantic, with species like the Grey Atlantic Auger and those striking Brazilian red anemones providing a unique splash of colour against the granite and rocky reefs. Our favourite sites are often the drift dives, letting the current carry you past hogfish and busy sergeant-majors. A morning dive is always our pick, before the wind picks up and the boat traffic gets too heavy. Just be prepared for cooler water than you might expect, thanks to those productive upwellings - a 5mm suit is often a good shout, even in summer.
Arraial do Cabo Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Arraial do Cabo
Arraial do Cabo Dive Sites
100 dive sites in Arraial do Cabo
ALINA P
The Alina P isn’t just a wreck, it’s a colossal underwater playground. This tanker, all 225 meters of it, was scuttled just off Arraial do Cabo after an explosion, and it’s now lying on its side in a comfortable 19m. We love how accessible it is, perfect for divers who are comfortable in wrecks but don't want deep decompression obligations. Dropping onto the Alina P, you’re met with a scale that’s genuinely impressive. The sheer size of the hull is daunting, and we always suggest a wide sweep along the exterior first. Look for the massive propeller and rudder assembly. Inside, the cargo holds are immense, offering easy penetration for those with proper training and lights. Sunlight filters down, illuminating schools of sardines that shimmer like liquid silver. Grouper hide in the shadows, and we’ve seen some hefty morays peeking from crevices. It’s the kind of site where you can spend an hour and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. The bow section, in particular, has become a dense artificial reef, attracting larger pelagics when the currents are running.
AQUIDABAN
The Aquidabã isn't just a dive, it’s a history lesson playing out at 16 metres. We love this site for its sheer gravitas; it was a battleship, sunk in 1906 after an explosion, and the scale of it is still humbling. As you descend, the shape slowly resolves from the blue, a vast, fragmented structure lying on its side. It's a proper wreck penetration dive if you’re qualified, with plenty of swim-throughs where the light plays off the rusted metal, but even just exploring the exterior is fascinating. Our favourite spot is around the stern, where the prop shaft still protrudes, encrusted with sponges and home to schools of snapper. Look for the resident moray eels peeking from crevices, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large groupers here too. The visibility can be variable, but even on an average day, the sheer size of the Aquidabã ensures it’s an impressive dive. We'd suggest going early in the morning to avoid any crowds and to catch the best light filtering through the wreckage. It’s a site for those who appreciate maritime history and the way the ocean reclaims human endeavour, best suited to experienced wreck divers or those comfortable in overhead environments, though open water divers can certainly enjoy the exterior.
Baixo do Carapebus
Baixo do Carapebus offers a solid dive in Arraial do Cabo. You'll find a good coral reef here, home to plenty of the usual suspects like moray eels, parrotfish, and sometimes turtles cruising through. The site is generally calm, making it a good choice for newer divers looking for a relaxed exploration of the local reef ecosystem. It's a reliable spot for a pleasant dive when you're in the area.
Baixo do Carapebus
Blueberry Bay Reef gives you a taste of Nova Scotia’s cooler waters. It's a site that often surprises people with its quiet charm, even if it won't rival tropical destinations. We’ve found the best diving here happens on a calm day, when you can really settle in and search for the smaller stuff. Look out for American lobsters tucked into crevices and Atlantic cod patrolling the deeper sections. It’s a good spot for divers who enjoy a more relaxed pace, happy to explore the nooks and crannies.
Baixo do Marobá
Boulton Reef, tucked away in Québec, offers a cold-water reef experience unlike many others. Here, you'll encounter freshwater species like pike and the glimmering Golden Shiner navigating the reef structure. It’s a site best suited for divers curious about Canada’s unique inland ecosystems, offering a quiet exploration for those who appreciate the subtle beauty of a non-tropical environment.
Baixo do Marobá
Baixo do Marobá is a popular reef in Arraial do Cabo. It’s a good spot for seeing the common local reef species, typically a range of colourful fish darting through the coral. Conditions here are generally calm, making it a good choice for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed dive. Visibility can vary, but it’s usually decent enough to enjoy the reef's features.
Baixo do Una
Boiling Reef. The name alone hints at the lively chaos, and it rarely disappoints. We’re not talking about tropical heat, of course, but the sheer energy of this Pacific Northwest site. The currents here can be robust, so you’ll want to time your dive with slack tide for the most comfortable experience. Drop in, and you’re immediately enveloped in a busy world of anemones and sponges clinging to every surface. What really grabs us is the cast of characters. We’ve had incredible encounters with playful harbour seals here, twisting and turning through the kelp. Look closely, and you’ll spot grunt sculpins camouflaged on the rocks or a Giant Pacific octopus tucked into a crevice. It’s a site that rewards slow exploration, peering under ledges for horn sharks or watching a colourful nudibranch inch across a sponge. This spot is brilliant for cold-water enthusiasts who appreciate the intricate beauty of temperate reefs. The macro life alone makes it a repeat destination for us.
Baixo do Una
Baixo do Una is a solid reef dive off Arraial do Cabo. You'll find a good spread of corals here, providing shelter for the usual suspects: angelfish, parrotfish, and the occasional moray eel peeking from a crevice. It’s a reliable spot for an easy-going dive, suitable for those looking for a relaxed exploration rather than dramatic action. Visibility can be hit or miss, but on a good day, it’s a pleasant way to spend an hour underwater.
BATEAU MOUCHE IV
The Bateau Mouche IV wreck in Arraial do Cabo is a proper favourite of ours. Sunk on New Year's Eve, 1988, this old merchant vessel capsized quickly, and now lies on its side at a very accessible 17 metres. We love how the shallow depth and relatively intact structure make it such a relaxed dive. You’ll find the wreck absolutely encrusted with growth. Hard corals cling to the hull, and bright sponges spill out from what were once cargo holds. Schools of small grunts and snapper often mill around the superstructure, and if you look closely, you might spot a moray eel peeking from a crevice. It’s a very photogenic wreck, especially when the sun filters through the water, highlighting the colours. We often suggest going early to avoid any boat traffic, and if the visibility is good, try circling it a few times to appreciate the scale. For divers who enjoy exploring history without the added challenge of deep water or strong currents, this is a real treat.
Bunda do Elefante
The Bunda do Elefante, or "Elephant's Butt", is a good pick for divers looking for a mellow drift. You’ll find walls covered in sponges and anemones, with octopuses often tucked away in crevices. It's a relaxed dive, good for photographers or those just wanting to take it slow and observe the reef.
Buraco do Mero
Buraco do Mero is a good spot for divers looking to explore an interesting grotto. You'll find a decent variety of fish sheltering inside the cavern, plus plenty of crabs and other crustaceans tucked into the crevices. We'd suggest it for divers who appreciate the quieter, more intimate feel of an overhead environment, rather than expansive reef diving. Watch your buoyancy, as the silt can kick up easily.
California
California in Arraial do Cabo offers a dive into Brazil's cool Atlantic waters. We've often found green sea turtles here, grazing casually, and the occasional stingray buried in the sand. The currents can be a bit shifty, so it's a spot that suits divers comfortable with varied conditions and those keen to spend some time watching the local residents go about their day.
Arraial do Cabo Dive Centres
27 dive shops and operators in Arraial do Cabo
ADRENALINA MERGULHO
AQUAMASTER Centro de Mergulho
Ardel Náutica e Pesca
Bellsub
Dive Eco Mergulho
DiveLovers
DIVE TODAY
Dolphin Dive
Ocean Wildlife in Arraial do Cabo
55 species recorded in Arraial do Cabo
Arraial do Cabo Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Arraial do Cabo, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
06:16
Sunset
17:44
Daylight
11h 29m
Golden Hour
17:14
First light (dawn) at 05:53 · Last light (dusk) at 18:07
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 05:23 | 18:49 | 13h 25m |
| Feb | 05:45 | 18:38 | 12h 53m |
| Mar | 05:59 | 18:15 | 12h 16m |
| Apr | 06:10 | 17:45 | 11h 35m |
| May | 06:23 | 17:24 | 11h 1m |
| JunShortest | 06:36 | 17:19 | 10h 43m |
| Jul | 06:38 | 17:27 | 10h 49m |
| AugNow | 06:24 | 17:40 | 11h 17m |
| Sep | 05:55 | 17:51 | 11h 55m |
| Oct | 05:25 | 18:01 | 12h 36m |
| Nov | 05:05 | 18:18 | 13h 13m |
| DecLongest | 05:05 | 18:38 | 13h 33m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Arraial do Cabo.
Where to Stay near Arraial do Cabo
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Marine Protected Areas near Arraial do Cabo
27 protected areas near Arraial do Cabo - please respect local regulations when diving
Apa Marinha Do Litoral Norte
Refúgio De Vida Silvestre Do Arquipélago De Alcatrazes
Área De Proteção Ambiental Marinha Boto Cinza
Estação Ecológica De Tamoios
Área De Proteção Ambiental Da Baía De Paraty
Área De Proteção Ambiental De Guapi-Mirim
Reserva Extrativista Marinha De Itaipu
Parati-Mirim
Estação Ecológica Tupinambás
Reserva De Desenvolvimento Sustentável Do Aventureiro
Área De Relevante Interesse Ecológico Das Ilhas Cataguás
Reserva Biológica Estadual De Guaratiba
Showing 12 largest of 27
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