PRINCIPE DE LAS ASTURIAS - Arraial do Cabo

The Principe, as everyone calls her, isn’t just a wreck dive. It’s an immersion into history, a genuinely tragic story playing out 35 metres down off Arraial do Cabo. We love how her sheer size still impresses, even after 100 years underwater. Sunk in 1916 after striking rocks in a thick fog, her boilers famously exploded, splitting her hull in two. You can still see that violent separation. Dropping down, the visibility here can vary, but when it’s good, the scale of her remains is incredible. Her stern section is the most intact part, offering fascinating penetration opportunities into cargo holds now colonised by schools of grunts and snappers. Look out for the resident moray eels peeking from crevices. We’d suggest focusing on the engine room area; the machinery is slowly being overtaken by colourful sponges, a testament to the ocean's reclaiming power. Currents can be noticeable, so this isn't a beginner’s spot, but for experienced divers keen on a substantial, historical wreck, the Principe is our top pick in the region.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-23.941668, -45.216667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Marine Protected Area: Estação Ecológica Tupinambás

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 PRINCIPE DE LAS ASTURIAS

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 PRINCIPE DE LAS ASTURIAS

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 the dive sites around Príncipe Island?
For the specific dive site, the PRINCIPE DE LAS ASTURIAS wreck, divers can expect a depth of 35 meters. Information regarding typical diving depths for other sites around Príncipe Island is not available in our current database.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to encounter when diving near Príncipe Island?
The PRINCIPE DE LAS ASTURIAS dive site is a significant merchant vessel wreck, measuring 140.2m x 17.7m, which struck rocks and broke in two. While the wreck itself forms an interesting underwater topography, specific details about marine life encounters at this particular site are not available in our current records.
What is the difficulty level for diving at Príncipe Island, and is it suitable for beginners or advanced divers?
The PRINCIPE DE LAS ASTURIAS wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience, rather than absolute beginners, but may not require advanced certifications depending on specific conditions.
What is considered the best time of year to dive in Príncipe for optimal visibility and conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal visibility and diving conditions specifically for Príncipe Island or the PRINCIPE DE LAS ASTURIAS dive site is not available in our current database. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might explore our When to Dive resource.
What dive certifications are generally required to explore the various dive sites around Príncipe Island?
Our current data does not specify the general dive certifications required for exploring dive sites around Príncipe Island. For the PRINCIPE DE LAS ASTURIAS wreck, given its intermediate difficulty and 35m depth, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent would typically be recommended.
What are the common current conditions and average underwater visibility experienced when diving in Príncipe?
Details on common current conditions and average underwater visibility for Príncipe Island or the PRINCIPE DE LAS ASTURIAS wreck are not available in our provided data. Divers should always consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.