Recife is home to more than four million people and is the capital of the Brazilian state of Pernambuco. Located at the junction of the Beberibe River and the Capibaribe River, it is a major port which is surrounded by splendid coral reefs, tiny islands, and more than fifty beautiful bridges. An important hub of commerce for centuries, it has a rich history and is home to some fantastic wrecks. Here are just five of the many wreck sites available for divers to explore.
Vapor Bahia and Pirapama
Home to huge sea turtles and rays, this pair of wrecks has quite a story to tell. The captains were both in love with the same woman, which led them to duel it out, with their ships, about 12 miles off an island called Itamarca. Ultimately, both ships sank, taking 37 people with them. The two wrecks have been here since the end of the 19th century, but are in excellent condition; you can still see the Vapor Bahia’s paddle wheel. Maximum depth is just 25 meters.
Florida
The wreck of the Florida, an English steam-powered tug lost in 1908, took 6 of her crew of 11 with her when she sank. Sitting beneath 33 meters of water, and wreathed in coral and sponges, the ship is in excellent condition and is home to a wealth of marine life. You can see her massive propellers, her huge boilers and engines, and many deck fittings, in addition to a lavatory complete with toilets and plumbing when you visit. Visibility here is usually excellent.
Corveta Camaqua
A paradise for technical divers, the Corveta Camaqua lies beneath 58 meters of water, and is in very good condition. Nearly intact, and suitable for penetration, the ship was sunk during a 1945 storm after surviving the second World War. Located 27 miles off Recife and comparable to the fabled Corveta 17 wreck belonging to the same era, the ship is home to a stunning array of marine life. Enjoy a trip through the galley and engine room, along with many other compartments, and don’t forget to photograph the guns and propellers.
Goncalo Coelho
A massive cargo ship dating back to WWII, the Goncalo Coelho was deployed as an artificial reef in 1999 after being thoroughly cleaned and prepared for safe penetration. A fantastic multi-level site with many decks to explore, plus with marine life large and small in attendance, this wreck is great for intermediate divers and up. Maximum depth is 34 meters, but there is plenty to see in much shallower water.
Alvarenga
A very simple wreck dive, even for beginners, the Alvarenga sits beneath just 15 meters of clear, blue water. A transport barge 20 meters long and 5 meters wide, the wreck is home to a stunning array of colorful reef fish, along with rays, nurse sharks, and the occasional turtle. Visibility is excellent; you can usually see the outline of the wreck from the surface.
When you visit Recife, you’ll enjoy a fantastic Brazilian experience; expect to see lots of local color, and get ready for plenty of music and laughter. The night life here is just as good as the diving, and there are plenty of cultural and historic attractions to occupy you between dives.