Ilha das Cabras - Arraial do Cabo

Malu’s Mermaid Retreat isn't just another Roatán reef. It’s got a real charm, a feeling of exploration that we really appreciate. Dropping down, you're immediately struck by the sheer variety of corals here, a mix of impressive hard structures and soft, swaying fans. We’ve seen some hefty schools of slender mojarra here, flashing silver as they dart through the sunlight, and the occasional Caribbean reef squid putting on a show of colour changes. The maximum depth of 21m makes it accessible, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's simple. There are some lovely nooks to poke into where we’ve often spotted flounder tucked into the sand or even a curious little post horn squid. It’s a great spot for those who like to take it slow, really observe the smaller stuff. We'd suggest aiming for a morning dive before any strong currents pick up, and keep an eye out for those green eels – they’re surprisingly bold here, often out cruising in the open. You'll want to bring a macro lens if you have one; the smaller species are where this site truly shines.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-23.829500, -45.392300
Type
reef

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 Ilha das Cabras

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 Ilha das Cabras

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