WILHELMINA - Arraial do Cabo

The Wilhelmina is one of Arraial's quiet champions, a proper historical wreck without the crowds you might expect. This old steamship lies scattered in just 10 metres of water, meaning you can spend a good long bottom time really exploring her bones. We love how accessible she is; it’s a brilliant spot for newer divers to get a feel for wreck diving, or for experienced eyes to properly soak in the details. What you'll find here isn't one intact vessel, but rather a fascinating debris field. Large sections of the hull, boilers, and machinery are spread across the sandy seabed, each piece now a miniature reef. Keep your eyes peeled for schools of silversides shimmering through the gaps, and the resident moray eels peeking out from behind rusted plates. The light penetration is usually fantastic, casting dramatic shafts onto the wreck, which makes for some excellent photos. We’d suggest going in the morning before any wind picks up, when the water is often at its calmest. It’s not a deep dive, but it’s a rich one, full of history and bustling with life.

Location
Arraial do Cabo, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-22.895890, -43.163082
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Área De Proteção Ambiental Da Fortaleza De Santa Cruz E Dos Fortes Do Pico E Do Rio Branco

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 WILHELMINA

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 WILHELMINA

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