Phoenix - Fernando de Noronha

Alright, Seaquest Shallow. We’ve probably spent more bottom time here than anywhere else in Roatán, and honestly, we’re not ashamed. Yes, it’s shallow, topping out at 17 metres, and it’s an absolute dream for newer divers or those who just want a relaxed, long dive. You start on a bright, sandy patch and just follow it up to the reef itself, which sits gloriously at about 5 or 6 metres. What we love here are the brain corals, some of them are huge, like ancient, wrinkled boulders. Keep your eyes peeled for the smaller stuff though, that’s where Seaquest Shallow really shines. We’ve spent entire dives just watching banded blennies pop their heads out of tiny holes, or trying to spot the iridescent flash of an Atlantic flashlightfish in the darker crevices. Our favourite has to be the brown garden eels swaying in the current, vanishing into the sand the moment you get too close. Don’t rush this one. Take it slow, hover over the sand patches for flounder and mojarras, and you’ll be rewarded. It’s an easy boat ride from West End, perfect for an afternoon unwind.

Location
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-8.063300, -34.667600
Type
reef

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 Phoenix

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 Phoenix

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at Lake Phoenix?
The maximum depth for diving at the Phoenix wreck site in Fernando de Noronha is 28 meters. This well-preserved tugboat wreck offers an excellent dive experience within recreational limits.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see at Lake Phoenix?
At the Phoenix wreck, divers can explore a well-preserved tugboat, including its command room, chimney, and rudder. This artificial reef is teeming with marine life, offering sightings of various reef and passage fish like jacks, spadefish, and grunts.
How challenging is diving at Lake Phoenix, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at the Phoenix wreck is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. This means it's best suited for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. Its maximum depth of 28 meters and wreck environment require a certain level of skill and comfort.
What is the best time of year to dive at Lake Phoenix, considering water temperature and visibility?
The Phoenix wreck boasts an excellent average visibility of 21 meters, providing clear views of the site. Unfortunately, specific data regarding the best time of year for diving, including water temperature, is not available in our current records for this site. For general information on diving seasons, please visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Lake Phoenix?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, given the Phoenix wreck's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 28 meters, divers should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent. This ensures you have the necessary skills and experience for deeper wreck dives.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at Lake Phoenix?
The Phoenix wreck offers excellent underwater visibility, averaging 21 meters, allowing for clear exploration of the site. However, specific information regarding typical water currents or other detailed conditions for this particular dive site is not available in our current database.