Vapor de Baixo

5.0 (1 review)

Beginner/Intermediate

Historic steam tugboat wreck with intact engines near Recife, Brazil.

Boat Access
11m Avg Depth
22m Max Depth

About this dive site

This dive site features the historic, yet unidentified, shipwreck of what is believed to be a small steam-powered wheeled tugboat. Resting upright on the seabed, most of its hull is buried, but its distinctive engines and boilers remain remarkably intact and in their original positions, offering an intriguing glimpse into early 20th-century maritime technology. Divers can navigate around the exposed machinery, exploring the structural integrity of this resilient vessel.

Due to the wreck's relatively small size and limited structural complexity, it offers minimal shelter for marine life, making it a less biodiverse spot. While larger pelagic species are uncommon, divers may still encounter various small reef fish seeking refuge, along with typical Caribbean/Brazilian coral and sponge growth beginning to colonize the exposed metallic structures, although not in great abundance.

The best time to visit this dive site would generally align with the dry season in Brazil's northeast, offering calmer seas and better visibility. Highlights include photographing the well-preserved engine room components. For freedivers, the average depth of 11 meters makes this wreck an accessible and rewarding target for breath-hold exploration, focusing on the fascinating machinery. Scuba divers will appreciate the chance to explore a historical wreck without extreme depth challenges.

DivingFreediving

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Poor
Macro Marine Life Poor
Landscape Quality Good
Water Visibility Good Viz

Plan Your Visit

wreckbeginner friendlywide anglehistorysteamshipmachinery

Things to Note

Difficulty:

Beginner/Intermediate

Shallow wreck (22m max) with intact features, suitable for Open Water divers interested in historical wrecks.

Hazards:
depthwreck
Current Strength:

Mild

Plan Your Dive

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This dive site information and pictures are sponsored by SSI Service Center Brazil

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