Naufrágio Pinguino - Arraial do Cabo

Raggies Cave isn't a true cave, but more of a massive overhang that creates an incredible, cathedral-like space. We love slipping into the cooler water here in winter and spring, knowing we're about to be surrounded. And by surrounded, we mean *really* surrounded. Picture yourself finning gently along at 12 metres, and then the dark shapes start to materialise out of the blue, gliding by, silent and utterly captivating. These aren't your typical reef sharks; these are the ragged-tooth sharks, or sand tigers, with their snaggletooth grins and surprisingly docile demeanour. They congregate here by the dozens during their breeding season, often just hovering, seemingly oblivious to our presence. Sometimes they’re so thick you have to pause, letting them part around you. Beyond the main event, the usual Indian Ocean suspects are all here – we've spotted everything from the goofy New Guinean anglerfish to curious lyretail angelfish darting among the cracks. Keep an eye out for potato bass lurking in the deeper shadows too; they’re enormous. Visibility can be a bit variable, but even on an average 10-metre day, seeing those sharks emerge from the gloom is pure magic. This dive is definitely for those who appreciate a dramatic, high-impact encounter with big animals, and it’s generally an easy drift, suitable for most comfort levels.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-23.118200, -44.281500
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Reserva De Desenvolvimento Sustentável Do Aventureiro

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 Naufrágio Pinguino

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 Naufrágio Pinguino

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