This dive site explores the remains of the steamboat Rio de Janeiro, which sank on June 2, 1853, after a charcoal fire forced its captain to beach the vessel at Praia Vermelha. Divers can navigate the shallow wreckage, observing well-preserved parts of the engine, including cylinders, pistons, the wheel axle support, and the condenser, offering a unique glimpse into 19th-century maritime engineering.
The wreck itself acts as an artificial reef, attracting a variety of local marine life. Divers can expect to see various small to medium-sized reef fish such as damselfish, parrotfish, and wrasses, alongside invertebrates like crabs and shrimps that find shelter within the ship's structure. Sponges and soft corals may also be colonizing the metal framework.
The best time to visit this site for optimal visibility and calm conditions would typically be during the dry season. Its shallow depth makes it an excellent location for beginner divers, underwater photographers focusing on historical artifacts, and is also highly suitable for freedivers and snorkelers keen to explore a historical wreck.
