Ilha Pai / Ponta Sul - Arraial do Cabo

M and M Unauna is a lovely, shallow pinnacle, usually no deeper than 16 meters. It’s perfect for a mellow dive, especially if you’re keen on photography or just want to take it easy. We've often seen turtles moseying along the reef, and if you’re lucky, an eagle ray might drift by in the blue. The corals, both soft and hard, are plentiful and make for a colorful backdrop as you cruise along. We like pairing it with Pinnacle 2 for a longer, relaxed dive.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-22.988500, -43.089100
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Reserva Extrativista Marinha De Itaipu

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 Pai / Ponta Sul

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 Pai / Ponta Sul

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 Pai / Ponta Sul?
The dive site at Ilha Pai / Ponta Sul offers a maximum diving depth of 13 meters. Its unique profile, characterized by a greater slope and steeper coast, provides a distinct diving experience compared to neighboring islands.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at Ilha Pai / Ponta Sul?
Divers exploring Ilha Pai / Ponta Sul can anticipate encountering a variety of marine life. You'll typically see small fish, graceful green turtles, and various rays. If you're particularly fortunate, you might even spot morays during your dive at this vibrant reef. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the diving at Ilha Pai / Ponta Sul, considering its steeper profile and potential for drifting?
Diving at Ilha Pai / Ponta Sul is considered an intermediate difficulty. The site features a greater slope and a steeper coast, creating a unique diving profile. Divers should be prepared for the possibility of drifting conditions due to these characteristics.
What is the best time of year to dive at Ilha Pai / Ponta Sul for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Our current data for Ilha Pai / Ponta Sul does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might find our When to Dive section helpful.
What diving certifications are recommended or required for diving at Ilha Pai / Ponta Sul?
The provided data for Ilha Pai / Ponta Sul does not specify any recommended or required diving certifications. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 13m, a basic open water certification is generally sufficient for similar sites, but always check with local dive operators.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at the Ilha Pai / Ponta Sul dive site?
At Ilha Pai / Ponta Sul, divers can expect an average visibility of 9 meters. It's also important to note that drifting is possible at this site, which features a distinct profile with a greater slope and steeper coast.