Costão da Jaconema - Deck Pous Nautilus (Ilha Grd RJ) - Arraial do Cabo

Hepp's Pipeline is one of those spots we always make time for, especially if we're in the mood for a proper hunt. It's a shallower dive, maxing out around 21 metres, with this fantastic mini-wall dropping down to a broad sand patch. The pipeline itself, an old waste pipe, is more of a curiosity these days than a feature, but it does add to the slightly rugged feel. What we really love here is the sheer density of small stuff. The top reef at 10-12 metres is often swarming with blue chromis and black durgons, a shimmering curtain you swim through. But get your eyes down onto the sand and into the crevices along the wall. We’ve had great luck spotting juvenile parrotfish tucked into overhangs, and the cleaning stations are usually buzzing. Keep an eye out for the more unusual residents – we’ve found Saddle Stargazers buried in the sand and Mottled Conger Morays peering out from their holes. It's a site that rewards patience and a keen eye, perfect for photographers or anyone who prefers macro wonders over pelagic giants.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-23.115000, -44.264800
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Área De Relevante Interesse Ecológico Das Ilhas Cataguás

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 Costão da Jaconema - Deck Pous Nautilus (Ilha Grd RJ)

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 Costão da Jaconema - Deck Pous Nautilus (Ilha Grd RJ)

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