Alvarenga - Fernando de Noronha

Alvarenga is a fascinating wreck, and for us, it's a solid choice if you're looking for something a bit different in Noronha. This isn't some perfectly preserved ghost ship; it's the remains of an old iron frigate that went down over a century ago. You drop onto a seabed at around 19 meters, and there it is – the scattered, but still substantial, hull of the Alvarenga. We love finning slowly around the twisted metal, imagining the rigging and sails that once propelled it. It feels genuinely historical. Visibility here averages about 12 meters, sometimes a touch more, which gives the whole scene a wonderfully atmospheric, slightly moody feel. Inside the larger sections, you’ll find schools of Atlantic thread herring swirling, a silver curtain against the dark iron. Keep an eye out for green turtles, they often glide past the wreck, using it as a landmark. It's a relaxed dive, suitable for most divers looking for a glimpse into the past, and a chance to see how nature reclaims man-made structures.

Location
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-7.958800, -34.676300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15-30m

Wreck History - Alvarenga

Vessel Type
warship
Cause
unknown

The Alvarenga is a wreck steeped in the mystery of a bygone era. Described as an old iron-hulled frigate powered entirely by sail, she hails from a time of transition, when navies were moving from wood to metal but had not yet abandoned the majesty of sail. Her history and the cause of her sinking are lost to time, adding a layer of intrigue to any dive. The vessel now lies on a sandy bottom at 24 meters, with the highest parts of the wreck rising to about 19 meters, making it an ideal multi-level dive.

For divers in the waters of Brazil, the Alvarenga offers a journey back to the 19th century. The hull is reported to be remarkably well-preserved, allowing divers to trace the elegant lines of a sailing warship. Exploring the deck, one can almost imagine the towering masts and complex rigging that once propelled her across the Atlantic. Without a known history, the wreck itself tells the story, inviting divers to speculate on its final voyage and the storm or misfortune that brought it to its final resting place.

Marine Protected Area: Área De Relevante Interesse Ecológico Orla Marítima

Best Time to Dive in Fernando de Noronha

The warmest water temperatures in Fernando de Noronha occur in April, averaging 29.1°C. The coolest conditions are in September at 26.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.1°C
  • February: 28.6°C
  • March: 28.9°C
  • April: 29.1°C
  • May: 28.7°C
  • June: 28.2°C
  • July: 27.4°C
  • August: 27.0°C
  • September: 26.9°C
  • October: 27.1°C
  • November: 27.6°C
  • December: 27.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Fernando de Noronha

Nearest Dive Centres to Alvarenga

Marine Life in Fernando de Noronha

Home to 45 recorded species including 42 reef fish, 1 seagrass & algae, 1 hard corals, 1 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Alvarenga

Based on average water temperature of 28.0°C, currents 29 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins (stiff blade recommended for strong currents)
  • 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