Widely regarded as one of Brazil’s best diving destinations, Ilhabela is located squarely between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and is home to some of the country’s most famous shipwrecks, including the Velasquez.  In total, more than 100 wrecks are located here, with some dating back to centuries ago, and with others being much more recent.   Here are just five of the most popular sites at Ilhabela; visit and choose your own favorites!

Velasquez

Resting beneath just 25 meters of water, the Velasquez is an incredible wreck, even though she is somewhat scattered.  Worthy of more than a single dive, this huge steamer was lost in 1906, and to give you just a little perspective, the boilers are so large that one of them can be entered.  Watch for lots of wrasse and comber, and be sure to look for macro life such as the white tubeworms that contrast beautifully with the chains they have attached themselves to.

Dart

Another excellent but broken shipwreck, the Dart lies beneath just 15 meters of water and is accessible at a depth of about 10 meters.  Surrounded by bottles, some of which are still intact, the wreck features two massive anchors and an intact helm, which offers and excellent vantage point for photos.  Just 30 meters from shore, the wreck is home to lots of fish and crustaceans, and is an excellent site for a night dive. 

Principe das Asturias

A deep and challenging wreck site, the Principe das Asturias is located at depths between 25 and 48 meters, and although it is somewhat broken, there are parts of the ship that are suitable for careful penetration.   Use extreme caution here as there are a number of loose cables and swinging booms, and as currents are often strong.  This is Brazil’s biggest shipwreck, and as nearly 500 people died while asleep in their cabins when she went down on March 6th of 1916, she is also a grave site.  

Ilha das Cabras

Not a wreck, but a fantastic rock formation that shows the splendid geology that forms Brazil’s coastline, Ilha das Cabras is home to a wealth of marine life in all colors, shapes, and sizes.  Wreathed in coral and sponge growth, and teeming with crustaceans, it is swarming with colorful reef fish as well as some pelagic visitors.  Keep an eye out for the occasional turtle, and watch for the small sharks that rest at the bottom of the rocky face.  Maximum depth here is just 8 meters, making the site ideal for all divers. 

Saco do Sombrio

Could Cavendish’s treasure await some lucky diver here?  Ever since the days when pirates roamed Brazil’s coastline, Saco do Sombrio has been a favorite place for ships of all kinds to tie up during stormy weather.  With fantastic rock formations and a wealth of tropical marine life, it is an idyllic site for all divers with maximum depth at just 15 meters.  

The tropical island of Ilhabela is indeed beautiful; with rainforests and many bird and mammal species topside, it is a premier site for ecotourism.  Besides diving, the area offers wildlife encounters and lots of opportunities for relaxation.  There are 360 waterfalls and 41 beaches here; finding a place to get away from your cares won’t be difficult.