Ubatuba · Brazil · Reef
Ilhote do Sul
Jacks pass by and groupers herd sardines over the western reef
Ilhote do Sul is a small islet beside Ilha Anchieta, inside the state park, with a 6 to 18 m profile and plenty of marine life. Schools of jacks and spadefish pass the islet, and to the west a large patch reef is where groupers hunt sardine schools in summer. Boats can only moor here in very calm seas.
Where it is and how deep
23.5624° S, 45.0788° WPublished position for this site.
The dive
Boats only moor at Ilhote do Sul when the sea is very calm. The islet gathers a lot of marine life, and schools of passing jacks (xaréus) and spadefish (enxadas) are a common sighting along its rock, in a profile between 6 and 18 m. Ilhote do Sul is part of the Ilha Anchieta state park, where fishing and spearfishing are banned.
Swimming west from the islet leads to a large patch reef. In summer, groupers (badejos) feed here, herding and closing in on the schools of sardines. The other way is a different dive: to the east, the tide can drive strong currents through the small channel between the islet and Ilha Anchieta, and that side calls for more experience, good skills and sharp underwater navigation.
Marine life and season
- Trevally & jacks
- Groupers
- Sardine baitballs
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Ubatuba: Diving runs all year. The water is warmest, up to 27 °C, in February and March, and stingrays gather to mate at Pedra da Cachorra in September and October.
Know before you go
- Tidal changes can drive strong current through the narrow channel east of the islet, between Ilhote do Sul and Ilha Anchieta; experienced divers with good navigation only.
Sources
- Pontos de Mergulho - Omnimare — Omnimare
More dive sites in Ubatuba
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Reef
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