Diving and Snorkeling in South America
It may not immediately spring to mind, but South America has an impressive roster of world-class dive sites along its vast coastline like the Galapagos and southern Brazil. With the exception of the chilly waters off the southwestern coast, warm seas await divers in Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia. Wherever you dive you’ll encounter a rich variety of marine life.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: This famous and exclusive wildlife destination off the coast of Ecuador also has some of the best diving in South America. The marine life around the Galapagos is extraordinary, featuring highlights such as penguins and swimming iguanas. A dive trip here isn’t cheap, but it’s certainly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: The best scuba diving in Brazil can be found among the small islets of this archipelago. Visitors can be assured of an intimate experience since only 420 people can travel to the islands per day. Underwater caves, shipwrecks and plenty of wonderful flora and fauna await.
Isla de la Plata, Ecuador: It may be called the “poor man’s Galapagos”, but this offshore island is rich in underwater life. Dive trips depart from Puerto López to this Pacific coast destination where manta rays and white-tipped sharks are regular features. Whales also migrate through this area from June to October.
San Andrés and Providencia, Colombia: The crystal waters of these two Caribbean islands off the shore of Colombia offer the best snorkeling and diving in the country. They are safe and have a nicely developed tourism infrastructure, allowing you to incorporate other beach activities into your dive trip.
Los Roques, Venezuela: This national marine park in the Caribbean has the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Venezuela. The barrier reefs that enclose the archipelago drop steeply along the southern and eastern edges, creating incredible headwalls teeming with coral and sea life.
Abrolhos, Brazil: The five volcanic islands of this archipelago are protected as a national marine park. The waters around here are incredibly clear and warm, allowing some large coral gardens to flourish.
Puerto Madryn, Argentina: Argentina’s Atlantic coast has some great diving at Puerto Madryn, where large and varied populations of marine life are found. There isn’t a coral reef scene around here, and the waters are chilly, but the chance of seeing big creatures like sharks, manta rays, whales and penguins make up for it.
Rosario islands, Colombia: Just 45 minutes by boat from Cartagena is this national marine park featuring 25 dive sites. Wrecks, headwalls and subaquatic mountains covered in coral provide the perfect backdrop for the rich marine life that lives around these pristine islands.
Ushuaia, Argentina: The ultimate underwater experience is at the very southern end of South America in Ushuaia. The waters are cold, but they are incredibly pristine and full of marine life rarely seen in warmer oceans. Shipwrecks litter the sea floor inhabited only by spider crabs, starfish and other exotic creatures.
Algarrobo, Chile: The calm waters of this seaside resort town are ideal for exploring Chile’s underwater scenery. Just offshore is the protected area of Isla de los Pajaros Niños, where such rare creatures as Magellanic penguins can be observed. This is a good place to visit if you want to see larger marine life like whales and sharks.