News
Technical Wreck Diving in Northeast Brazil
By Richard Streeton
Apart from the remote Atlantic archipelago of Fernando da Noronha, Brazil is not a world-renowned technical diving destination. However, for the informed diver, there are some excellent liveaboard and day trip options in northeast Brazil for technical wreck divers. These lie between the cities of Maceio (Alagoas) and Recife (Pernambuco). The Voyager catamaran covers this region with week-long trips in either direction taking in the main wrecks along the way.
Diving is possible all year round. Visibility can reach 20-30 m/65-100 ft depending on the site. The wrecks described here were ones I visited in April. This typically offers the best diving conditions in terms of sea state and general visibility. Interestingly, wrecks from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, with a range of propulsion systems, can be visited with relative convenience on the same trip.
The Draguinha
Close to Maceio, divers will find the Draguinha. This was a dredger that sank in 1961 due to bad weather. The wreck is reasonably intact with artefacts ranging from the dredging system to the boilers. These are still in good condition. The wreck is 42 m/140 ft long with a maximum depth of 35 m/115 ft. You can see large groupers and beautiful Brazilian reef octopuses alongside schools of batfish.
The Walsa and Lupus
The Brazilian Navy has sunk many tugboats and ferries to create artificial reefs. The majority are fully intact, including the propellers. They can be penetrated safely. Many are quite similar, but the Walsaand Lupus stand out. The Walsa is 32 m/105 ft long and lies in 42 m/140 ft of water. The deck is at 33 m/110 ft.
Divers can find enormous schools of yellow-striped grunts consisting of thousands of individuals. So many, in fact, that it became difficult to see the wreck itself. The Lupus is slightly longer at 34 m/110 ft and sits in shallower water. The maximum depth is 36 m/120 ft. The main attraction on the Lupus is the engine room where divers can inspect a beautifully preserved diesel motor.
The Pirapama
Due to the abundance of life, the Pirapama is one of the stars of the show in the Recife area. The wreck rests in the 19-23 m/62-75 ft range. It makes for an excellent night dive, which maximizes the action. Dozens of enormous stingrays are found alongside nurse sharks and huge green turtles. Every rock hole is full of lobsters and the entire wreck is covered with sponges and soft corals.
The Pirapama is one of the oldest wrecks in the area. Historians believe it sank in 1889 after a collision with the Vapor Bahia. The Pirapama was built in 1841. It was equipped with both a set of sails and a paddle wheel, driven by an oscillating-cylinder steam engine. The engine is no longer in place, but you can see the paddle wheel axle and steam cylinders amidships.
The Vapor Bahia
The Vapor Bahia is another 19th-century steam-paddle ship. It plied the seas between the northeastern and southern cities of Brazil. Like the Pirapama, the Bahia is extensively damaged owing to the almost 130 years she has been sitting at a depth of 25 m/82 ft. However, unlike the Pirapama, the steam paddle is intact and well preserved with sponges on every surface. The steam boilers are also still present.
The zone around these artefacts has some wonderful swim-throughs and hidden corners. You will find these between caved-in planks where groups of nurse sharks congregate in the sand. The most stunning part of the wreck is the prow which stands upright with an anchor still in place. The Bahiadeserves at least two dives to explore her fully and is typically covered with large schools of fish.
Vapor 48
One of the deeper dives around Recife is the Vapor 48. Little is known about this wreck, including her real name which is still a mystery. The name ‘Vapor 48′ refers to the steam propulsion system (vapor in Portuguese) and the depth of the wreck (48 m/158 ft). She makes for an excellent technical dive with both the steam-paddle and engines/boilers in place. These, however, are in a more dilapidated state than those of the Bahia. At 60 m/200 ft in length, she can be covered comfortably in a single dive. Several large groupers live here.
The Corvetta Camaqua
The top tech-dive in this region is undeniably the Corvetta Camaqua. The Brazilian navy used this ship to protect their coastline from German and Italian submarines during World War II. It’s a three-hour trip in open sea from Recife to get to the Camaqua. The wreck lies on her starboard side at a maximum depth of 55 m/180 ft. The port side is at 47 m/155 ft. The Camaqua is a neat Trimix dive.
Dive planning should account for potentially strong surface currents. These can impede descent. You should also be aware of potentially dangerous munitions which the Camaqua was carrying as cargo. With sufficient bottom time and depending on gas selection, the 57 m/187 ft long Camaqua can be fully explored in a single dive. This includes a visit to the propeller, kitchen unit, deck cannon and a beautiful corridor swim-through on the port side. Large schools of fish are always circling the wreck.
Just scratching the surface
There are dozens of other wrecks in this region. I’ve only described my personal favorites and those that would be most interesting to technical divers here. Out of water, Recife offers great opportunities to get a taste of the northeastern Brazilian vibe.
The nearby historical town of Olinda has a UNESCO world-heritage cathedral, wonderful examples of Portuguese architecture and is full of excellent restaurants and bars. These can be a great place to pass any no-fly time before onwards travel. No visit to the Recife area would be complete without tasting the wonderful Acarajé. This serves as both a religious offering to the gods in the Candomblé religion and as much-loved street food.
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Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
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Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
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Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
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As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
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One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
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Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
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Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
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For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
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Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
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Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
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Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
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Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
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Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
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The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
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Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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