Ilha Vitoria - Arraial do Cabo

Mangrove Point Gawana is one of those places that genuinely surprises you. We find ourselves coming back time and again, not for big pelagics, but for the sheer detail of the reef. Drop in and you're immediately greeted by a sloping wall, dotted with huge gorgonians that look like ancient fans. We love drifting along here, keeping an eye out for Red Sea butterflyfish flitting between the staghorn corals that dominate the shallower sections. The transition from hard coral gardens to sandy patches is gradual, and it’s in these sandy areas, often near the edges of the mangrove roots, where we’ve had some cracking encounters with cuttlefish. They’ll often be right out in the open, displaying their colour changes as you glide past. Visibility averages around 13 metres, which is often just enough to appreciate the intricate patterns of the coral without feeling overwhelmed. It's a gentle dive, maxing out at 18 metres, making it perfect for newer divers or those who just want a relaxed potter, focusing on the small stuff. Our favourite tip? Go slow, especially over the sand flats, and you'll spot Orange Convict Reefgobies and tiny Twostripe Eviotas darting about.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-23.733500, -44.993200
Type
reef

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 Vitoria

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 Vitoria

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