Helicoptero - Arraial do Cabo

Helicoptero is Arraial do Cabo's signature wreck dive, and we think it earns that reputation. It’s an old fishing trawler, sunk deliberately, and now she sits upright at around 20 metres. We love the way the light filters through the superstructure, especially on a sunny morning. You can swim through the wheelhouse, past the galley, and explore the holds, which are now home to schools of snapper and grunts. Keep an eye out for the resident moray eels peeking from the darker recesses. The visibility here can be hit or miss, as with much of Arraial, but when it’s good, it’s really good, sometimes pushing 15 metres. Even on a greener day, the wreck itself provides enough structure to keep things interesting. Our favourite part is the stern, where the prop is still intact and often shrouded in glassy sweepers. This dive is perfect for advanced open water divers comfortable with overhead environments, though most of the wreck is open enough that penetration isn’t too committing. It’s a proper exploration dive, with something new to spot on every descent.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-23.109566, -44.266000
Type
wreck

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 Helicoptero

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 Helicoptero

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