Advanced-skill and challenging-conditions guidance.
Vapor dos 48 is Recife's deep steam-wreck dive.
Vapor dos 48 is Recife's deep steam-wreck dive.
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Boat access and depth make this a local-operator wreck dive best handled by experienced wreck divers.
Vapor dos 48 is a deep Recife wreck dive known for its intact steam engines and the visible wheel that give the site its nickname. It is reached by boat offshore, so it belongs in the advanced wreck-diving category with careful gas, depth, and ascent planning. The dive is about structure and wreck detail first, with strong fish life around the hull, including grouper, eagle rays, nurse sharks, and large turtles. Open-water conditions can be rough, so it is best handled with a local operator rather than as a casual recreational stop.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
48m
Depth Note
Known as the Steam of 48 because the wreck sits around 48 m deep.
Best Season
September to May.
Typical Conditions
Deep offshore wreck with rougher open-water conditions and current compared with sheltered Recife sites.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
This is a deep wreck dive; plan gas, time, and ascent conservatively and use wreck procedures with an experienced local operator.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; use an experienced local operator and wreck-ready setup.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A deep wreck dive with intact steam engines and a visible wheel as the main points of interest.
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
Advanced-skill and challenging-conditions guidance.
Independent Recife visibility guidance.
Boat-access wreck listing and marine-life summary for Recife.
Independent Recife shipwreck-capital context.
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