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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Ilha das Cabras?
The typical diving depth at Ilha das Cabras is quite shallow, with a maximum depth of 7 meters. This makes it an excellent site for divers looking for a relaxed experience in relatively shallow waters.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see at Ilha das Cabras?
Divers visiting Ilha das Cabras can expect to encounter abundant and diverse marine life, including several species of fish, morays, and octopus. Lucky divers might also spot turtles and stingrays. Beyond the vibrant marine life, the site features unique underwater attractions such as submerged cables, a truck chassis, an anchor, and a statue of Neptune, adding an exploratory element to your dive.
Is Ilha das Cabras a good dive site for beginner scuba divers, or is it more challenging?
Ilha das Cabras is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While its maximum depth of 7 meters is relatively shallow, suggesting accessibility, the "intermediate" rating indicates it might present some challenges beyond what a complete beginner would typically encounter. Divers should have a foundational level of experience to fully enjoy this site.
What is the best time of year to go diving at Ilha das Cabras for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Ilha das Cabras. For more information on seasonal conditions and when to dive in Arraial do Cabo, we recommend checking our dedicated When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive at Ilha das Cabras?
While the data does not explicitly state specific certification requirements, given that Ilha das Cabras is rated as an intermediate dive site, divers should ideally hold at least an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent. This ensures you have the necessary skills and experience to safely navigate the site's conditions and features.
What are the typical water conditions, like currents and visibility, at the Ilha das Cabras dive site?
At Ilha das Cabras, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 6 meters. The provided data does not offer specific information regarding typical current conditions at this site.