Ilha das Cabras

Short-boat sanctuary dive with sheltered reef and busy channel edges.

5/5
1 dive by 1 diver
Beach / HangScubaSnorkelBoat EntryBeginner
Swim Spot
Submitted by gabiimsa
Most dives are planned on the protected side of Ilha das Cabras, with route choice driven by channel current, wind chop, and nearby boat traffic.

About Ilha das Cabras

Ilha das Cabras is Ilhabela's best-known short-boat sanctuary dive, with rocky reef, sheltered inner water, and a more exposed outer face in the São Sebastião Channel. Operators usually choose the calmer side for relaxed scuba and snorkeling, but current and passing boat traffic become more noticeable once you move away from the lee of the islet.

Research + Early Community Signal At Ilha das Cabras

Conservative research baseline blended with 1 logged dive by 1 diver.

VisibilityVisibility: 6m
AccessEasy entry
Marine LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesExcellent facilities
CrowdedModerate
Current StrengthLight current
Surge StrengthLight surge

Where Is Ilha das Cabras?

Map location of Ilha das Cabras
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.

Ilha das Cabras Planning Details

Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.

Reported Depth

5m - 18m

Depth Note

Local operator guidance places common Ilha das Cabras dives in roughly the 5 m to 18 m range, with the protected side used for easier profiles.

Best Season

Usually dived year-round when the channel is calm enough for local boats, with calmer days favored for the protected-side profile.

Typical Conditions

Short-boat local diving with average visibility often cited around 2 m to 10 m, easier water on the sheltered side, and stronger flow on the more exposed faces of the islet.

Safety & Access At Ilha das Cabras

Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.

Key Hazards

Boat trafficStrong current

Safety Notes

The protected side is commonly used for easier dives, but current increases on the exposed faces and the channel has regular boat movement. Brief with the local operator on entry choice, surface cover, and where to avoid drifting into traffic.

Access Restrictions

Ilha das Cabras is typically visited by short local boat runs rather than independent shore entry, and operators manage entries around sanctuary rules and channel traffic.

Legal Notes

The site sits inside Ilhabela's underwater ecological sanctuary, so normal protected-area etiquette applies: do not collect marine life or disturb the reef and use operator guidance for where access is allowed.

Local Intel For Ilha das Cabras

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Scuba

Ilha das Cabras is a standard local scuba stop because it is close to town, easy to reach by boat, and flexible enough for training or relaxed reef dives when operators pick the protected side.

Snorkel

Snorkeling is common on calmer days on the lee side of Ilha das Cabras, where the shallower reef and shelter make the site easier to enjoy from the surface.

Ilha das Cabras Dive Conditions Planner

Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Ilha das Cabras.

Current Snapshot
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Wind No data · Tide No data
Great
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Swell No data · Period unavailable
Great
Visibility Outlook
Rain chance No data
Great
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Exposure Profile at Ilha das Cabras

Directional shelter context for incoming swell.

Exposure Note

Hourly forecast data is not available yet.

Wildlife at Ilha das Cabras

Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.

Recent Logged Visits At Ilha das Cabras

1 community dive logs and visit reports for this site.

G

9/29/2024 at 08:40 AM (Asia/Almaty)

Hangout SeshSnorkeling
5/5 Overall
Conditions
CurrentLight current
SurgeLight surge
Detailed Ratings
AccessEasy entry
Marine LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesExcellent facilities
CrowdedFew visitors
Review

We rented a paddleboard right on the beach in front of the island and spent hours snorkeling around. The water was warm, calm, and full of life, with schools of fish everywhere. A perfect spot to relax, explore, and enjoy nature.

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Dive Spot Log Averages At Ilha das Cabras

Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.

Conditions
Avg. Visibility6m
Activity
Total Logs1
Unique Divers1
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Ilha das Cabras Guide - Frequently Asked Questions

Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.

Ilha das Cabras Guide - Sources and Updates

Last Updated

Research Sources

ikigaiexperience.com.br · Operator Guide

Local operator overview with site list, wildlife mentions, and common depth range.

www.ilhabela.com.br · Destination Feature

Destination coverage of sanctuary status, easy access, and common local marine life.

www.narwhal.com.br · Operator Guide

Local operator notes on depth, visibility, and current sensitivity across the site.

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