Best Scuba Dives in South America

If you’ve ever asked, “Where can I find the best scuba diving in South America?”, you’re about to discover one of the world’s most diverse underwater frontiers. Stretching from tropical reefs to icy fjords, South America offers experiences for every diver — from the adrenaline rush of Galápagos hammerhead encounters to the tranquil coral gardens off Brazil’s coast. With its mix of marine megafauna, mysterious wrecks, and untouched ecosystems, this continent is a paradise for explorers who crave the wild.

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5 Best Scuba Diving Sites in South America

1. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador – The Epicentre of Evolution

Few places on Earth can match the sheer spectacle of diving in the Galápagos. Hammerhead sharks cruise in schools, sea lions play tag, and marine iguanas graze on underwater algae. At sites like Darwin’s Arch and Wolf Island, divers often find themselves surrounded by swirling life — turtles, barracuda, whale sharks, and rays. It’s remote, raw, and unforgettable.

Best time to dive: June to November for whale sharks and schooling hammerheads.

2. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil – Warm Waters and Endless Life

Located 350 kilometres off Brazil’s northeast coast, Fernando de Noronha is a UNESCO-listed marine sanctuary bursting with life. Its reefs are home to colourful angelfish, reef sharks, and moray eels, while spinner dolphins often escort dive boats to the sites. The clear turquoise water and relaxed island vibe make it ideal for all levels of divers.

Best time: August to December for the calmest seas.

3. Cocos Island, Costa Rica – The Shark Kingdom

Technically part of Central America but often grouped with South America’s diving routes, Cocos Island is a pelagic haven. The volcanic pinnacles attract hammerheads, silky sharks, and giant mantas, all sweeping through the currents. It’s a liveaboard-only adventure, reserved for advanced divers chasing big encounters.

Best time: June to November during the shark aggregation season.

4. Los Roques, Venezuela – Caribbean Calm

For those who prefer warm, shallow dives filled with coral colour, Los Roques National Park offers over 300 pristine islands. Expect brain corals, parrotfish, and eagle rays gliding over powder-white sand. The visibility often exceeds 40 metres, making it one of the Caribbean’s hidden gems.

Best time: December to May for calm seas and perfect light.

5. Patagonia, Chile – Ice, Fjords, and Giant Creatures

South America’s southern tip offers a completely different kind of diving. Patagonia’s cold-water fjords are home to sea lions, giant starfish, and enormous kelp forests. Visibility shifts with the tides, but the surreal beauty of diving among glaciers and snow-capped mountains is an experience few forget.

Best time: November to March, during the Austral summer.

Why Scuba Dive South America

From Brazil’s tropical reefs to the shark-filled depths of the Galápagos, South America’s underwater world feels alive in every sense of the word. It’s a continent that challenges, inspires, and rewards those who take the plunge.

When to Scuba Dive South America

The best time to scuba dive South America, water temperatures, and visibility:

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador (Pelagics): June to November (Cooler, best for whale sharks) or December to May (Warmer, best for visibility). Waters from 19°C / 66°F up to 27°C / 81°F.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil (Atlantic Gem): August to December. Waters from 26°C / 79°F up to 28°C / 82°F with 30-50m+ visibility.
Caribbean Coast, Colombia: December to April (Dry Season). Waters from 26°C / 79°F up to 29°C / 84°F.
Patagonia, Argentina (Cold Water): November to March (Austral Summer). Waters from 5°C / 41°F up to 13°C / 55°F (Drysuit required).
Peru (Humboldt Current): December to May (Best visibility). Waters are cold year-round.