Best diving destinations in South America
Best diving destinations in South America
Volcanic island waters and unique marine habitats in South America
Cold-current island chains offer some of the most distinctive diving on earth, built around currents that bring in hammerhead sharks, marine iguanas and species found almost nowhere else. Warmer coastlines further east add a different, gentler diving culture.
The destinations on this list range from cold-current sites requiring thicker wetsuits and stronger experience to warmer reef diving further along the continent's tropical coastline. Some of the region's best diving is genuinely demanding, with strong currents a constant factor.
Choosing the right season for current strength matters considerably in the colder-water sites specifically, where conditions shift noticeably between warm and cool water periods. Booking dives through operators familiar with the region's strong currents also matters considerably for less experienced divers. Most reputable operators brief divers thoroughly beforehand.
Lists by region
Island in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands
The Wildlife Paradise of Ecuador
Darwin Island in the northern Galápagos has no landing sites, so visitors are mainly scuba divers on liveaboard ships. Whale sharks and hammerheads visit it, along with Galápagos sharks, manta rays and green turtles. The marine reserve covers about 133,000 square kilometres. Marine iguanas forage both in the water and on land.
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