Lajes do Miaí - Fernando de Noronha

Black Reef, off the coast of Nova Scotia, really stands out for its cold-water corals. It’s not the colourful, tropical kind, but a deep, somewhat eerie beauty that feels ancient. We've often found ourselves drifting along, mesmerised by the white and orange soft corals swaying in the current. It’s a site for those who appreciate the subtle drama of the North Atlantic. Visibility can be a mixed bag; we’ve had days where it stretched out to a good 15 metres, and others where it felt like diving in a cup of tea. Our tip is to check local reports for recent conditions. When it’s good, you’ll spot things like Atlantic Wolffish tucked into crevices, their grumpy faces peering out. We’ve also seen a surprising number of Lined seahorses clinging to kelp fronds, which is always a treat. Keep an eye out for various rocklings too, often camouflaged against the rocks. The water is consistently chilly, so a drysuit is non-negotiable here. Black Reef is best suited for experienced divers comfortable with cold water and variable conditions, offering a unique glimpse into a truly wild underwater ecosystem.

Location
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-10.233334, -36.116665
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Reserva Extrativista Marinha Da Lagoa Do Jequiá

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 Lajes do Miaí

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 Lajes do Miaí

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