Are you heading to South America for your vacation this year? It’s the ideal spot for anyone who loves to scuba dive thanks to the host of impressive dive sites that this continent has to offer. If you’re keen to go underwater and explore an amazing world, here are some of the top spots for scuba diving in South America.
Malpelo
Malpelo is frequently compared to the Galapagos, and for good reason. It’s the most amazing spot to find abundant marine life but there are none of the crowds that you would find at better-known dive sites. Mapelo is far off Colombia’s coastline and boasts a volcanic underwater ridge which attracts vast amounts of sea life. You’ll see hammerhead sharks and pegagic fish circling this 8 square kilometer island too. If you’re an advanced diver, this is the ideal spot for you, but don’t forget that you’ll need to take along your own dive computer and surface marker buoys for your safety. View this now to find out more about what you might need.
Galapagos Islands
Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands are a pilgrimage site for divers thanks to its amazing biodiversity. Almost a fifth of the sealife here can be found absolutely nowhere else on the planet. This national park is home to marine iguanas, dolphins, sharks, turtles and sea lions, and the best experience is definitely by staying on a liveaboard for a short break.
Fernando De Noronha
A top-secret Brazilian site, Fernando de Noronha is an island that lies a 2-hour flight off the mainland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers amazing visibility and a wealth of exotic marine life thanks to its crystal clear water. You’ll see tropical fish, turtles, reef sharks and manta rays among other creatures under the waters here, however, the dolphins are one of the greatest attractions. Expect to pay the tourist tax since only a handful of tourists can come here at any one time.
Peninsula Valdes
If cold water diving is your thing, head to Argentina’s Valdes Peninsula. This magical UNESCO site is perfect for encountering marine life including whales, penguins, and seals as well as the occasional orca. Head to Puerto Madryn – the gateway that allows you to access these icy waters.
Abrolhos Marine Park
Another Brazilian dive site, this marine park is 43 miles off the coastline. This desert-like archipelago may look barren but under the water, there’s a host of marine life. Only accessible from liveaboard boats, the warm waters are home to about 270 fish species as well as turtles, manta rays and dolphins. Visit during the summer months and you may even spot humpback whales!
Easter Island
Easter Island might be best known for its unusual head statues, but it’s diving sites are especially impressive with visibility extending to about 60 meters. There are rock formations, caves and arches to explore underwater here and one top attractive is the Moai statue which is on the sea floor.
Los Roques
The Los Roques archipelago consists of 350 different islands and is a top spot for divers visiting Venezuela. This national park is home to 1500 human residents and has stayed pristine with a thriving reef life. The clear waters here allow divers to see tropical fish, manta rays and nurse sharks at the many dive sites located all around the archipelago.
Providencia
Head to Colombia to discover Santa Cataline and Providencia islands. Here, you’ll discover the third biggest coral reef anywhere on the Earth with more than 40 different dive sites to enjoy. You can experience caves, shipwrecks and blue holes in this UNESCO site while diving among some of South America’s beautiful corals.
Are you inspired to go diving this summer? If you’re planning to visit South America, any of these dive sites could be the perfect choice for you. Whether you love warm or cold water diving, and whether you’re hoping to see shipwrecks, underwater formations or exotic sea life, you’re sure to be amazed by the options that this continent can offer you. It could be time to book your scuba diving trip today so you can start exploring some of the world’s most amazing underwater spots.
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