DART - Arraial do Cabo

The DART wreck in Arraial do Cabo offers a dive into history, resting upright at 20 meters. This steamship, sunk in 1884, still holds its structure well, a testament to its 1882 build. You can trace its 97.5-meter length, picking out the bow and stern, with the hull largely intact. Schools of grunts and snapper often drift over the deck, and we've spotted moray eels peeking from crevices within the ship’s structure. It's a solid wreck dive, suitable for divers comfortable with deeper sites looking for something with a story.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-23.916666, -45.233334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

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 DART

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 DART

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths encountered when diving at Dart Family Park?
The dive site DART is a wreck dive located in Arraial do Cabo, Brazil. Divers can expect to encounter a typical depth of 20m at this site. This depth makes it accessible for divers with intermediate experience.
What marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Dart Family Park?
The DART dive site is a fascinating wreck dive, featuring the remains of a steam ship vessel that sank in 1884. This impressive wreck measures 97.5m x 11.6m, offering a substantial structure to explore. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wreck sites often attract a variety of reef fish and invertebrates.
How difficult is the shore entry and exit for diving at Dart Family Park?
The provided data for the DART dive site does not specify details regarding shore entry and exit difficulty. However, as a wreck dive at 20m, it is typically accessed via boat. Divers should consult local dive operators in Arraial do Cabo for specific logistical information.
What is the best season or time of year to dive at Dart Family Park for good visibility and calm conditions?
The provided data for the DART dive site does not include information on the best season or time of year for optimal visibility and calm conditions. For details on local weather patterns and ideal diving periods in Arraial do Cabo, it is recommended to check a comprehensive when-to-dive guide or consult local dive centers.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications or experience levels recommended for Dart Family Park?
Diving at the DART wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should have at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. It is always wise to dive within your training and comfort limits, especially when exploring a "Dangerous wreck" like the DART.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Dart Family Park?
The provided data for the DART dive site does not specify typical current conditions or visibility. As a wreck dive at 20m in Arraial do Cabo, conditions can vary. Divers should always check with local dive operators on the day of their dive for the most current information regarding currents and visibility.