Ilha de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios - Arraial do Cabo

The Mama Viña is one of our go-to wreck dives in Cozumel, a real workhorse of a ferry, now resting upright at 27 metres. We love the way the light filters through the upper decks on a sunny day, creating these ghostly shafts inside. You can duck into the open car deck and engine room without feeling squeezed, which is a big plus for those still getting comfortable with overhead environments. Keep an eye out for the big schools of French grunts and jacks that swirl around the structure; they’re often so thick you have to fin through them. The wreck itself isn't massive, but it's been down long enough for some serious colonisation. We’ve spotted red grouper tucked into shadowy corners and seen more than a few mossy arks clinging to the hull. Visibility here usually sits around 20-25 metres, so you get a great sense of the wreck's scale as you approach. It’s a site that suits divers looking for a relaxed wreck penetration with plenty of time to explore, rather than a deep, challenging technical dive. Just be mindful of the occasional Cozumel current, it can pick up here, though it often just gives you a gentle push around the bow.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-23.797100, -45.156400
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Apa Marinha Do Litoral Norte

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 de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios

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 de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios

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 de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios?
Divers exploring Ilha de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios can expect a maximum diving depth of 13 meters. This makes it a great site for divers looking for shallower explorations with rich marine life.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Ilha de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios?
At Ilha de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios, divers will encounter a fascinating underwater landscape characterized by large stones, numerous burrows, and crevices. The site is teeming with marine life, including abundant schools of various passing fish, rays resting on the sandy bottom, and graceful turtles. You can learn more about local species in our wildlife database.
Is Ilha de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered a more advanced dive site?
Ilha de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios is considered an intermediate dive site. This is primarily due to its location as a point away from the coast, making it subject to current. Divers should have some experience managing currents to fully enjoy this site.
What is the best time of year to dive at Ilha de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Ilha de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Ilha de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios?
While the data does not explicitly state specific certification requirements, given that Ilha de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios is an intermediate dive site, divers should possess at least an Open Water Diver certification with experience in current. It's always best to check with local dive operators in Arraial do Cabo for their specific requirements.
What are the typical water conditions, such as currents and visibility, at Ilha de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios?
At Ilha de Buzios - Costao dos Aquarios, divers can expect water conditions that include being subject to current, as it's a point away from the coast. The average visibility at this site is a clear 11 meters, offering excellent views of the underwater environment.