Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes - Arraial do Cabo

Mambetron, just off Kri’s north shore, is one of those sites we always try to fit in, especially if we’ve spent the morning battling current elsewhere. It’s a pretty easygoing dive, topping out at 19 metres, making it perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to take it slow. We love drifting along here, watching the schools of yellowstriped cardinalfish hanging above the corals, so dense they sometimes feel like a moving wall. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; the Wasp Pygmy Gobies are everywhere, and we’ve often spotted Seastar Shrimp on the crinoids. While the big schools of fusiliers are always a draw, our favourite memory here is spotting a family of bumphead parrotfish cruising past the reef edge, utterly unbothered by us. Visibility averages around 18 metres, usually calm, and you might even snag a passing manta or a reef shark in the blue if you're lucky.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-24.095200, -45.702600
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Refúgio De Vida Silvestre Do Arquipélago De Alcatrazes

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 do Farol - Alcatrazes

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 do Farol - Alcatrazes

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 are the typical diving depths at Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes?
Divers exploring Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes can expect typical diving depths up to a maximum of 14 meters. This makes it an accessible site for various certification levels while still offering a rich underwater experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes?
At Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes, divers will primarily explore a vibrant reef environment. The area is also known for the largest frigate forest in Latin America, and during surface intervals or navigation, you might spot incredible marine mammals like dolphins, whales, and orcas, along with various birds. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes for different skill levels?
Diving at Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. This means it offers a rewarding experience for divers who have some prior experience and are comfortable with various underwater conditions. It's a great step up for those looking to advance their skills beyond beginner sites.
What is the best time of year to go diving at Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes. However, you can often find general information about seasonal conditions for Arraial do Cabo or when to dive in Brazil on our site.
What dive certifications are required to explore the various dive sites around Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided information for Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes, its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 14 meters typically suggest that an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent would be appropriate. Always check with local dive operators for precise requirements before planning your trip.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like when diving at Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes?
Divers at Ilha do Farol - Alcatrazes can generally expect good underwater visibility, averaging around 11 meters. Information regarding typical water temperatures or currents is not specified in the available data. For the most current conditions, it's always best to consult local dive centers in Arraial do Cabo.