Vapor de Baixo - Fernando de Noronha

Wilkes Passage, a quick hop from Namotu, feels like a proper channel dive. We often find a good current running through here, which makes for an easy drift past walls of hard coral. Keep an eye out for schools of trevally and barracuda that hang in the flow, plus the usual whitetip and blacktip reef sharks cruising by. Turtles are a common sight, too. It’s a solid spot for a relaxed drift, peaking around 20 meters, and ideal if you enjoy letting the ocean do most of the work.

Location
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, South America
Coordinates
-8.101600, -34.716600
Type
drift

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 Vapor de Baixo

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 Vapor de Baixo

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 typical depth range for diving the Vapor de Baixo shipwreck?
The Vapor de Baixo shipwreck offers diving opportunities down to a maximum depth of 22 meters. Divers can explore the well-preserved engines and boilers at this depth.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Vapor de Baixo site?
At the Vapor de Baixo site, divers can explore the remains of what was likely a small wheeled steam tugboat. The most notable features are the almost intact engines and boilers, which are still in their correct position despite most other parts being buried. While the wreck itself is fascinating, it does not provide much shelter for marine creatures, so it is not an abundant spot for marine life.
How challenging is the Vapor de Baixo dive site for recreational divers?
The Vapor de Baixo dive site is considered to be of intermediate difficulty for recreational divers. This suggests that divers should have some experience and comfort with various diving conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive the Vapor de Baixo wreck for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the Vapor de Baixo wreck for optimal conditions is not provided in the available data. For general guidance on planning your trip, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Vapor de Baixo?
The provided data does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required or recommended to dive the Vapor de Baixo. Divers interested in this intermediate difficulty site should consult with local dive centers in Fernando de Noronha for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Vapor de Baixo dive site?
The Vapor de Baixo dive site is characterized as a drift dive, indicating that currents are typically present. Divers can expect excellent visibility, with an average of 23 meters at the site.