Ubatuba · Brazil · Reef
Recreio dos Borboletas
Butterflyfish, grunts and sergeant majors in abundant schools
Photo: AdrianoCzar · CC BY-SA 4.0
Recreio dos Borboletas, on Ilhote das Couves in the north of Ubatuba, is one of the best sites in this northern island group: varied fauna and abundant schools of fish in a 7 to 12 m profile. Butterflyfish, grunts, sergeant majors and queen angelfish are among the regulars. Strong currents run in the channel with Ilha das Couves at the turn of the tide.
Where it is and how deep
23.4216° S, 44.8599° WPublished position for this site.
The dive
The boat moors at Ilhote das Couves, in a spot sheltered from south, southeast and east winds. The site lies between 7 and 12 m, and its fauna is varied, with schools of fish all along the dive. Butterflyfish (borboletas) swim with grunts (corcorocas), sergeant majors (sargentinhos) and queen angelfish (ciliares), among other species.
The site favours divers of all certification levels, but timing matters. At the changes of tide, strong currents run in the channel formed between the islet and Ilha das Couves, so the tide times need special attention. The islets of the Couves group are uninhabited and covered in Atlantic forest, with rocky shores that drop to the bottom and make good dive profiles.
Marine life and season
- Reef fish swarms
| 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
- Strong currents run in the channel between Ilhote das Couves and Ilha das Couves when the tide changes; the tide times need special attention.
Sources
- Pontos de Mergulho - Omnimare — Omnimare
Photo credits
- Aerial view of a forested island point with granite boulders, turquoise shallows and three small boats moored off a beach. by AdrianoCzar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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