PINQUINO - Arraial do Cabo

The *Pinquino* wreck, lying in Arraial do Cabo, is our pick for a straightforward, rewarding dive. We love that she’s shallow, topping out at 17 metres, which means plenty of bottom time to really soak it all in. This 60-metre motor vessel ran aground back in the 1960s, and time underwater has done a good job of transforming her into an artificial reef. You'll find the wreck broken into two main sections. The stern, with its prominent propeller, is a great spot to start. Then you can follow the line of the hull forward to the bow, which is a bit more scattered. Penetration isn't really on the cards here, but there's still plenty to poke around. Look inside the cargo holds and you'll often see schools of grunts hanging out, almost suspended in the gloom. Outside, a thick coating of sponges and anemones now covers the metal, and we’ve often spotted moray eels peeking from the nooks and crannies. Visibility here can sometimes get a bit stirred up, especially after a strong southwesterly, so we’d suggest aiming for calmer mornings if you can. It’s a great dive for anyone comfortable with a bit of current and keen to explore a piece of history that’s been thoroughly reclaimed by the ocean.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-23.117222, -44.282500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Marine Protected Area: Área De Relevante Interesse Ecológico Das Ilhas Cataguás

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 PINQUINO

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 PINQUINO

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