BATEAU MOUCHE IV - Arraial do Cabo

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.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-22.967000, -43.166832
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Wreck History - BATEAU MOUCHE IV

Year Sunk
1988
Vessel Type
passenger ship
Cause
storm

The BATEAU MOUCHE IV is the site of one of Brazil's most infamous maritime tragedies. On New Year's Eve 1988, the 24-meter tour boat was filled with revelers heading into Rio de Janeiro's Guanabara Bay to watch the famous fireworks display. Tragically, the vessel was severely overcrowded and was caught in a sudden, violent squall. Ill-equipped to handle the rough seas, the boat capsized and sank in a matter of minutes, resulting in the loss of over 50 lives.

Today, the wreck of the BATEAU MOUCHE IV rests at a depth of 17 meters in the clear waters of Arraial do Cabo, a premier Brazilian diving destination. The site has transformed from a scene of disaster into a poignant underwater memorial and a thriving artificial reef. Its shallow depth makes it an accessible dive for Open Water certified divers and above. The structure of the boat is still largely intact, allowing divers to explore its decks and superstructure, which are now completely colonized by corals, sponges, and teeming with fish. It serves as a somber reminder of the power of the sea, while offering a beautiful and vibrant dive experience.

Marine Protected Area: Parque Natural Municipal Paisagem Carioca

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 BATEAU MOUCHE IV

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 BATEAU MOUCHE IV

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