Florianópolis & Ilha do Xavier · Brazil · Wall
Ilha das Aranhas
Seven crevices cut into steep rock walls
Photo: Adriana Cigognini · CC BY-SA 4.0
Ilha das Aranhas is a pair of rocky islands set in an L between the beaches of Santinho and Moçambique, reached by boat from the Barra da Lagoa channel. Steep rock walls reach 30 m in places and the islands are cut by seven crevices, though shallower spots exist too. Current can run hard depending on swell direction and moon phase, so the site is not recommended for beginners.
Where it is and how deep
27.4912° S, 48.3598° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The dive follows the rocky shores of the islands, which form steep walls. Experienced divers can reach 30 m along them in some places, while other parts of the islands stay shallower. The two islands sit in an L shape, so a sheltered spot can be found whichever direction the wind is blowing from.
The feature that sets the site apart is its seven crevices, cracks in the rock that make for lively dives. Swell direction and the phase of the moon decide how much current runs, and it can be strong, which is why the islands are not recommended for beginners. The visibility is not always good either.
Marine life and season
The sources we used don't single out particular species here.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Prime | Prime |
Season follows Florianópolis & Ilha do Xavier: November to April is the best season; diving carries on all year, but a colder, nutrient-rich current can darken the water in the other months.
Know before you go
- Current can be strong depending on swell direction and moon phase, and the site is not recommended for beginners.
- The walls reach 30 m in places, so depth needs watching along the steep rock.
Questions divers ask
How deep is Ilha das Aranhas?+
The rock walls reach 30 m in places, and other parts of the islands are shallower.
Is Ilha das Aranhas suitable for beginners?+
It is not recommended for beginners: depending on swell direction and moon phase, the current can be strong.
Sources
- Mergulho em Florianópolis: 9 lugares — Água Viva Mergulho
- Conhecendo os pontos de mergulho de Santa Catarina — Brasil Mergulho
Photo credits
- Two low green islands across calm blue sea, seen past a prickly pear cactus on a coastal hillside by Adriana Cigognini, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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A tuna boat lost in January 2008 beside Ilha do Xavier
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