Ilha das Cabras

Ilhabela · Ilhabela · Brazil

Ilha das Cabras is a tiny islet sitting just 100 metres off the northwest coast of Ilhabela, one of the largest islands in Brazil's Sao Paulo state. Declared a Submarine Ecological Sanctuary in 1992, it has been protected from fishing and harvesting for over three decades, resulting in a remarkable concentration of marine life in its shallow, calm waters. The dive site spans the channel between Pedras Miudas beach and the islet itself. Entry is directly from the beach, making it one of the few quality shore dives in the region. The sandy bottom slopes gently from the shore to a maximum depth of about 12 metres near the island's base, where rocky outcrops and boulders create a network of hiding spots for octopuses, moray eels, and seahorses. A bronze statue of Neptune sits at 7 metres depth and has become an iconic underwater landmark in Brazilian diving. Visibility varies significantly depending on conditions, ranging from 5 metres after rain to 15 metres or more during calm, settled weather. The best conditions typically occur between October and April, when summer warmth keeps the water between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius. Winter months can bring reduced visibility and cooler temperatures around 20 degrees. The ecological sanctuary status means marine life here is noticeably more abundant and less skittish than at unprotected sites. Schools of sergeant majors, parrotfish, and pufferfish swirl around divers, while starfish and sea urchins dot the rocky surfaces. For visiting divers, Ilha das Cabras serves as a perfect warm-up dive or an ideal site for those completing their Open Water certification. For experienced divers looking for more challenge, Ilhabela offers deeper wreck dives and the open-ocean sites on the island's exposed eastern coast.