ALINA P - Arraial do Cabo

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.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-23.837166, -45.433666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
19m

Wreck History - ALINA P

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.

Marine Protected Area: Estação Ecológica Tupinambás

Best Time to Dive in Arraial do Cabo

The warmest water temperatures in Arraial do Cabo occur in January, averaging 26.6°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 21.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.6°C
  • February: 26.4°C
  • March: 26.5°C
  • April: 25.0°C
  • May: 24.0°C
  • June: 22.9°C
  • July: 21.9°C
  • August: 21.6°C
  • September: 22.2°C
  • October: 23.0°C
  • November: 23.4°C
  • December: 24.8°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Arraial do Cabo

Nearest Dive Centres to ALINA P

Marine Life in Arraial do Cabo

Home to 62 recorded species including 44 reef fish, 3 other, 3 crabs & lobsters, 3 sea urchins, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALINA P

Based on average water temperature of 24.0°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 24°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories