Ponta Grossa - Arraial do Cabo

The Shipwreck on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast is one of those sites we always make time for. It’s a shrimp trawler, sunk decades ago, now sitting upright on a sandy bottom at 22m. We love how the structure is still largely intact, giving you a real sense of its former life. You can poke around the bow, explore what used to be the wheelhouse, and marvel at how quickly the sea reclaims things. Visibility averages 12m, sometimes less, which just adds to the atmospheric gloom of a wreck dive. You’ll often spot a keen-eyed Giant Hawkfish perched on the deck, almost camouflaged, or a Freckled Moray peeking out from a dark crevice. Our favourite moments here are drifting past schools of Herring, their silver scales catching the limited light, and scanning the sand for the bizarre Foureye Flounder. Keep an eye out for Goliath Groupers lurking in the deeper sections of the wreck, they get impressively big here. This site is definitely best for advanced divers comfortable with overhead environments and lower visibility.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-23.116100, -44.299100
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10-30m

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 Ponta Grossa

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 Ponta Grossa

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 depths for scuba diving at Ponta Grossa in Ilhabela?
Divers exploring Ponta Grossa, a site popular with Arraial do Cabo and Ilha Grande divers, can expect typical depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters. This depth profile, combined with its intermediate difficulty, makes it an engaging dive for those with some experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to encounter at Ponta Grossa, Ilhabela?
At Ponta Grossa, divers will discover a vibrant diversity of marine life thriving along its rocky coast and within the Cove of Sítio Forte. Common fish species include the Sergeant, Damsel, Flying Gunnard, Marimbá, and Salema. Additionally, the site features a wreck, adding another intriguing underwater attraction for exploration.
How challenging is diving at Ponta Grossa, Ilhabela, and is it suitable for divers of all experience levels?
Diving at Ponta Grossa is classified as intermediate in difficulty, making it suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications. While not recommended for absolute beginners, its conditions are manageable for those with appropriate training and comfort in varied underwater environments.
What is the best time of year to dive at Ponta Grossa, Ilhabela, considering visibility and water conditions?
The provided data indicates an average visibility of 9 meters at Ponta Grossa. However, specific information regarding the best time of year to dive, considering seasonal variations in visibility or water conditions, is not available in our current records for this dive site.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended for diving at Ponta Grossa, Ilhabela?
Given that Ponta Grossa is an intermediate difficulty dive site, it is recommended that divers hold certifications beyond entry-level, such as Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to safely navigate the depths and conditions of the site.
What are the usual currents and water conditions like at the Ponta Grossa dive site in Ilhabela?
Our current data for Ponta Grossa specifies an average visibility of 9 meters. However, detailed information regarding the usual currents or other specific water conditions, such as temperature or surge, is not available in the provided context for this dive site.