BATEAU MOUCHE IV
Protected Area
Parque Natural Municipal Paisagem Carioca
Why dive here
With 55+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales - BATEAU MOUCHE IV offers some of Arraial do Cabo's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 22-27°C, warmest January, February, March.
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.
Typical BATEAU MOUCHE IV Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
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.
BATEAU MOUCHE IV Wreck History
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to BATEAU MOUCHE IV
Dive shops near BATEAU MOUCHE IV
Mar Do Rio
KAIMANA DIVE & BOAT
DOMAR ATIVIDADES AQUATICAS
XDIVERS CENTRO DE MERGULHO
Dolphin Dive
Reviews for BATEAU MOUCHE IV
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BATEAU MOUCHE IV
BATEAU MOUCHE IV Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BATEAU MOUCHE IV, 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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