Protected-refuge context and rare reef species overview for Alcatrazes.
Sheltered coral garden in the Alcatrazes refuge.
Sheltered coral garden in the Alcatrazes refuge.
Jardim dos Corais - Alcatrazes is a sheltered boat-access coral garden inside the Alcatrazes refuge, with shallow moorings, a strong brain-coral cover, and a conservation-sensitive profile. It suits divers who want a controlled reef visit rather than an exposed open-water site, and it can also work for freediving or shallow floating visits when the operator approves the conditions.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
4m - 23m
Depth Note
Shallow moorings start around 4 m and the site ranges into the low 20s, with some listings putting the upper limit around 23 m.
Best Season
Seasonal; the calmest windows are the safest bet and operator access must be checked.
Typical Conditions
Relatively sheltered, with cold water in winter and thermoclines common in summer. Access is operator-led and moored.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Cold water can occur in winter and thermoclines are common in summer; consult the operator for current conditions on the site.
Access Restrictions
Visitation only via ICMBio-authorized operators and designated moorings or poitas.
Legal Notes
Alcatrazes is a protected refuge with regulated visitation and mooring points.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Best as a guided recreational scuba dive. Expect shallow coral gardens, designated moorings, and a conservation-sensitive reef profile.
Freediving
Freediving is allowed in designated areas when the operator approves conditions, but the coral demands disciplined buoyancy and care.
Snorkeling
Shallow floating and recreational surface visits are possible in designated areas, but they are still controlled by refuge rules and operator guidance.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Protected-refuge context and rare reef species overview for Alcatrazes.
Poita 10 and 11 coral-garden points with operator controls, shallow depths, and dense coral coverage.
Operator page noting authorized visitation, brain-coral cover, and the shallow Portinho coral garden.
Know this site? Improve Spot Details.

Sheltered Alcatrazes cove with octopus burrows and beginner-friendly water.

Weather-sensitive boat dive on Alcatrazes' Farol side.

Boat-access island dive with caves, fish and calm-season windows.

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

Exposed boulder sector on the Laje reserve.

Whale-shaped rock route with turtles and rays.