Pinguino Wreck Dive Site
Dive into history at the Pinguino Wreck, a 1967 shipwreck transformed into a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer waters, better visibility
Pinguino Wreck Dive Site
Best Time
Calmer waters, better visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into history at the Pinguino Wreck, a 1967 shipwreck transformed into a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life.
"An excellent dive spot, rich in life, offering a unique shipwreck experience."
🐠 Dive with a Guide
Always dive with a certified guide for safety and to spot hidden marine life.
🤿 No Interior Entry
The wreck is deteriorated; avoid entering for safety. Admire from the outside.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 80 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Pinguino Wreck
Submerged at 7-18 meters
A 64m long shipwreck from 1967, now a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life.
Abundant Marine Biodiversity
Surrounding the wreck
Encounter turtles, diverse fish schools, groupers, rays, and even nurse sharks.
Lateral Adherence
The wreck itself
Observe the unique sight of the shipwreck resting on its side, a testament to its history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dive Safely: Know the Depths
Respect Marine Life & Wreck Integrity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐠 Dive with a Guide
Always dive with a certified guide for safety and to spot hidden marine life.
🤿 No Interior Entry
The wreck is deteriorated; avoid entering for safety. Admire from the outside.
📸 Capture the Life
Bring an underwater camera to document the rich biodiversity.
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Observe marine life from a distance; do not touch or feed.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐠 Dive with a Guide
Always dive with a certified guide for safety and to spot hidden marine life.
🤿 No Interior Entry
The wreck is deteriorated; avoid entering for safety. Admire from the outside.
📸 Capture the Life
Bring an underwater camera to document the rich biodiversity.
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Observe marine life from a distance; do not touch or feed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Divers praise the Pinguino Wreck as an excellent dive spot, highlighting its rich marine life and the unique experience of exploring a shipwreck resting on its side. While the wreck's interior is inaccessible due to deterioration, the abundant sea turtles, fish schools, and other creatures make it a visually rewarding dive. Visibility can be a factor, but the overall ecosystem makes it a worthwhile visit.
"Good point to dive"
Rogerio Versiani
"Ponto de mergulho com cilindro. Naufrágio de 1967 de cerca de 64m de comprimento, com profundidade de 7m na parte mais rasa até 18m na parte mais profunda, não dá mais pra entrar pq ele está bem deteriorado."
Vanessa Alvarenga
"Um naufrágio muito legal rs o primeiro que visitei e está tombado de maneira lateral. Visibilidade não tão alta quanto outros pontos de recife, mas bem bacana. Profundidade entre 15 e 7 metros."
Isabella Maria Bottino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pinguino Wreck is typically accessed by boat from Angra dos Reis or nearby coastal towns. Many dive operators offer boat tours and dive packages that include transportation to the site.
Angra dos Reis is accessible by car via the Rio-Santos highway or by bus from major cities like Rio de Janeiro. Once in Angra, you'll arrange boat transport for diving.
No, the Pinguino Wreck is a submerged site and can only be accessed by boat for diving or snorkeling.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You'll need to book a dive tour with a certified operator, which includes the cost of the boat trip and guide. There isn't a separate entry ticket for the wreck itself.
Dive tours typically operate during daylight hours, with morning and afternoon slots available. It's best to check with your chosen dive operator for specific schedules.
Yes, snorkeling is possible, especially in the shallower areas. However, diving offers a more immersive experience of the wreck and its marine life.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Pinguino Wreck has a depth ranging from approximately 7 meters at its shallowest point to 18 meters at its deepest.
Expect to see a rich variety of marine life, including sea turtles, schools of fish, groupers, small rays, and nurse sharks.
No, it is strongly advised not to enter the Pinguino Wreck. It is significantly deteriorated, with parts of the deck having collapsed, making it unsafe.
Visibility can vary, and it's generally not as high as at some other reef sites. However, it's still considered a very good dive spot.
Currents can be present, so it's important to be aware of them and dive with an experienced guide who can navigate them safely.
📸 📸 Photography
The wreck itself, the diverse marine life like turtles and fish schools, and the overall artificial reef ecosystem offer fantastic photography subjects. 
An underwater camera with good low-light capabilities and a wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing both the wreck and the marine life.
The exterior of the wreck, where marine life congregates, and the surrounding reef structures are excellent for photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit