ALINA P
Protected Area
Estação Ecológica Tupinambás
Why dive here
With 55+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales - ALINA P offers some of Arraial do Cabo's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 22-27°C, warmest January, February, March.
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.
Typical ALINA P Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 19m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
ALINA P Wreck History
Year Sunk
1991
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
fire
Tonnage
36,997 GRT
The Alina P had a fiery and dramatic end on New Year's Eve, 1991. The massive 225-meter tanker had just finished unloading its cargo of crude oil at the São Sebastião terminal. As it was leaving the harbor, residual gas vapors in its empty tanks ignited, causing a catastrophic explosion that ripped the vessel apart. To prevent the burning hulk from blocking the vital shipping channel, it was towed and beached, where it eventually sank.
Lying at an accessible depth of 19 meters near Arraial do Cabo, the Alina P is now a spectacular and popular dive site. The sheer scale of the wreck is breathtaking; it's so large that it feels more like exploring an underwater building than a ship. Divers can swim through the cavernous, torn-open hull sections, marvel at the enormous propeller and rudder, and explore the twisted metal of the superstructure. The wreck has transformed into a bustling artificial reef, attracting turtles, rays, and vast schools of fish, making it a must-do dive in Brazil.
Nearest Dive Centres to ALINA P
Dive shops near ALINA P
Prado’s Dive
DiveLovers
Narwhal Ilhabela
Oceano Sub
Estação Mergulho Scuba School
Reviews for ALINA P
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ALINA P
ALINA P Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ALINA P, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
21.63°C
71°F
Current Speed
4.47 cm/s
Direction: SW (243.4°)
Salinity
35.62 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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