I Comprida - Face Norte - Arraial do Cabo

Magic Wall, near Selayar, is a solid Komodo site we always recommend, especially if you appreciate a good wall dive. It’s about a 20-minute boat ride from Pattumbukan Harbour, and while not as famous as some of Komodo’s hotspots, it consistently delivers. We love the sheer limestone wall; it drops to a comfortable 24m and is textured with overhangs and ledges that just beg for a closer look. Visibility averages around 15m, which is decent enough to appreciate the mix of hard and soft corals, gorgonian sea fans, and sponges that cling to the rock face. The currents here are generally mild, a welcome change from some of Komodo's washing machines, making it suitable for divers who prefer a more relaxed drift along the reef. Keep an eye out for turtles gliding past, barracuda schooling off the wall, and the occasional dogtooth tuna. We’ve also spotted marble rays, moray eels peeking from crevices, and some truly impressive nudibranchs if you slow down and look carefully. It’s a great spot for both macro life and pelagics cruising by.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-23.037800, -43.204900
Type
wall

Marine Protected Area: Monumento Natural Das Ilhas Cagarras

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 I Comprida - Face Norte

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 I Comprida - Face Norte

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 is the typical diving depth at I Comprida - Face Norte?
The typical diving depth at I Comprida - Face Norte ranges from 9 to 12 meters, where the abrupt slope meets the sandy bottom. The maximum depth for this site is 13 meters. This makes it a great spot for divers looking for a relatively shallow and accessible experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at I Comprida - Face Norte?
Divers at I Comprida - Face Norte can explore an abrupt slope that transitions to a sandy bottom between 9 and 12 meters. The site is vibrant with schools of Dog-Eye, Cocorocas, and Salemas, along with batfish and fake flyers. When visibility is at its best with cleaner waters, you might also be lucky enough to spot turtles and rays. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at I Comprida - Face Norte, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at I Comprida - Face Norte is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it offers a sheltered environment, the 'intermediate' rating suggests it might be more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. Beginners should consider gaining more experience before attempting this site.
What is the best time of year to dive at I Comprida - Face Norte for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at I Comprida - Face Norte for optimal conditions. However, the site is known for its average visibility of 8 meters, with cleaner waters potentially allowing sightings of turtles and rays. For general information on seasonal diving, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at I Comprida - Face Norte?
The data does not explicitly state specific scuba diving certifications required or recommended for I Comprida - Face Norte. However, given its 'intermediate' difficulty rating, it is generally recommended that divers have at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures you are comfortable with the conditions and depth of up to 13 meters.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at I Comprida - Face Norte?
I Comprida - Face Norte is known as the most sheltered coastline in the region, suggesting generally calm current conditions. The average visibility at the site is 8 meters. On days with cleaner waters, visibility can improve, offering better chances to spot marine life like turtles and rays.