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Best Places To Scuba Dive In South America

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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Travel

Why Should You Have a Waterproof Tent?

A lot of campers assume that once they buy a tent, they’re protected from all the weather elements. But this isn’t always true. Even camping tents that allege to be waterproof can develop a leak. That’s why it’s advisable to ensure your tent is waterproof when preparing to go camping.

Often, people go to great lengths to prepare for that perfect camping trip, including making sure their hiking boots are waterproof, but they forget to waterproof their tent.

The last thing you’d want is to be caught in a rainstorm, miles from civilization, with a leaking tent. This will not only be uncomfortable but you can also catch a serious cold from sleeping under a leaking roof.

Isn’t Factory Waterproofing Enough?

Just because your tent comes waterproofed from the factory doesn’t necessarily imply that every inch of it is. Factories apply a sealant in specific areas, mainly the rain fly and floor. Other areas may include the bottom foot of the wall. Therefore, you can’t solely depend on that waterproofing.

Factory waterproofing works well initially, but with time, the coating wears out and your tent starts to leak.

How Can You Waterproof Your Tent Floor?

The first step is to purchase a good sealant that’s specially meant for tents. Then, confirm that the waterproofing sealant is meant for camping equipment. Read the instructions carefully before you apply the product on your tent. You might need to add water before beginning.

After preparing the sealant, apply one or two coats on the tent flooring. Timing is critical. Don’t wait for the first coat to dry out completely before applying the second one. Instead, to add extra protection, apply the second coat as the first one is drying. If you have a larger tent, it’s best to apply the first coat to half the tent then apply the second one before moving to the other half of your tent.

Where Should You Waterproof Your Tent?

Most times, the factory waterproof’s the tent flooring on the inside. It’s; therefore, advisable to waterproof your outside flooring.

In addition to waterproofing your tent, the following tips will keep your tent dry:

  • Always vent the tent to allow any condensation to escape.
  • Place a camp flooring under the tent. This helps to prevent abrasives such as twigs and rocks from causing wear and tear to your tent.
  • If possible, set up the tent on higher ground. This will direct the groundwater away from your tent.
  • Ensure your tent’s rain fly has good coverage.
  • To prevent mildew, pack the tent dry.
  • Carry your rain gear in case everything else fails.
  • If your tent floor is leaking, place a tarp inside to keep your tent flooring dry.

Remember:

  • Before applying the waterproofing sealant, your tent needs to be completely dry. The sealant will stick better on a dry surface.
  • Don’t put your tent in a dryer. This may weaken it.
  • Proper maintenance will keep your tent floor dry.
  • If you often use your tent, you will need to waterproof it regularly.
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