This dive site features the tugboat Sao Jose, resting in a navigational position at a maximum depth of 28 meters, though some sources indicate 29 meters. Sunk alongside the tugs Bellatrix and Phoenix, the Sao Jose wreck is notable for its intact structure, including a complete house and command bridge. Divers can explore the main structure, with a passage above the engine room offering opportunities for limited penetration for appropriately trained divers.
The Sao Jose wreck teems with diverse marine life, serving as an artificial reef. Common inhabitants include large species such as impressive goliat groupers, docile nurse sharks, and elegant rays. Smaller schools of grunts, jacks, and sea chubs are frequently observed, along with various turtles that often visit the wreck.
While specific best times to visit for Sao Jose are not detailed, generally the waters off Brazil offer good diving conditions during the drier months from roughly September to March. For divers interested in penetration, proper wreck diving certification and experience are essential. Freedivers with advanced skills could explore the shallower parts of the wreck, but its depth and potential for enclosed spaces make it primarily a scuba diving destination. The site is an excellent opportunity for wide-angle photography focusing on the wreck structure and its larger inhabitants.
