Ilha de Ancora
Protected Area
Parque Natural Municipal Dos Corais De Armação Dos Búzios
Why dive here
With 55+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales - Ilha de Ancora offers some of Arraial do Cabo's richest diving. Water ranges 22-28°C, warmest January, February, March.
Ilha de Âncora feels like a proper deep dive, even if the max depth for most of us is around 18m. It’s got that raw, exposed island vibe, and the currents can sometimes be a bit sporty, which we actually love because it brings in the big stuff. Descending into the blue here, you're immediately struck by the sheer volume of fish. Schools of fusiliers are so thick they sometimes blot out the sun, a truly immersive experience. Our favourite part has to be searching for the smaller, unique critters that thrive in the nutrient-rich water. We've spent ages patiently spotting Lined seahorses tucked into crevices, and those Delalande Blennies are always a treat, darting in and out of the reef. The Brazilian red anemones add a splash of unexpected colour against the craggy rock. If you're into macro life, take your time along the reef wall. Keep an eye out for the Tuiupiranga parrotfish too, their colours really pop. We’d suggest this site for confident divers who appreciate a bit of current and want to see a bustling, vibrant ecosystem rather than just static corals. The average 14m visibility is decent but not always expansive, so focus on the details.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Ilha de Ancora
Ilha de Ancora Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Ilha de Ancora, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-23.23, -44.16) (12km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
23°C
73°F · Range: 17.8–26.6°C
Current Speed
8.49 cm/s
Direction: SW (225°)
Salinity
35.38 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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