Diving in Chile
Including Bahía Inglesa, Caleta Choro, and Easter Island (Rapa Nui). On the map.
The vibe
Diving here is a serious, cold-water endeavor that appeals to those interested in kelp forests and unique temperate marine life rather than colorful coral reefs. The best visibility and conditions occur during the summer, though a thick drysuit is essential year-round. The scene is sparse and professional, catering mostly to experienced divers who are comfortable navigating rugged shore entries or small boat operations.
standard diving certification
Bahía Inglesa
Atacama Region
Sports Cars Fan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Known for its turquoise waters and white sand, the diving here centers on rocky outcrops and coastal reefs teeming with diverse temperate species. It is a popular spot for divers looking to explore the biodiversity of the Atacama region's underwater topography.
Access. Local dive centers in Caldera provide boat charters and guided dives to the surrounding bay and offshore reefs.
Notes. Visibility is generally good, but currents can be variable depending on the tide.
Caleta Choro, Iquique
Tarapacа Region
meschmarco / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Located in the arid north of Chile, this area offers unique cold-water diving focused on rocky reefs and abundant marine life including sea lions. Divers explore the nutrient-rich kelp forests that thrive in the Humboldt Current, providing a stark contrast to the desert landscape above.
Access. Scuba operators are based in the city of Iquique and organize boat trips to the nearby coastal reefs and islets.
Notes. Water temperatures are cool year-round; 7mm wetsuits or drysuits are standard.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
Valparaiso Region
European Space Agency / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 igo)
Renowned for its incredible underwater visibility often exceeding 50 meters, this remote volcanic island offers unique lava formations and archways. Divers visit to explore the submerged Moai statue and the dramatic, crystal-clear volcanic topography.
Access. Accessible via flights from Santiago; multiple local dive operators based in Hanga Roa offer boat trips to the best sites.
Notes. Water temperatures range from 18°C to 24°C depending on the season; currents can be moderate.
Juan Fernández Archipelago
Valparaiso Region
Pato Novoa / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
This remote UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers pristine, cold-water diving characterized by dense kelp forests and high levels of endemism. Divers come here to encounter the unique Juan Fernández fur seals and explore dramatic rocky pinnacles.
Access. Accessible by light aircraft from Santiago; diving is highly specialized and requires booking with local expedition operators.
Notes. Cold water diving (14°C-18°C); requires drysuit or thick wetsuit; remote location with limited infrastructure.
Pichidangui Bay
Coquimbo Region
Rjcastillo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Often cited as one of the best diving spots in central Chile, this sheltered bay features rocky reefs teeming with diverse temperate marine life. It is a popular training ground and weekend destination for divers looking to explore the rich biodiversity of the Humboldt Current.
Access. Located about 2 hours north of Santiago by car; several established dive centers operate directly from the bay.
Notes. Water is cool (12°C-16°C); visibility varies significantly with tidal conditions.
Puerto Montt and Reloncaví Sound
Los Lagos Region
This region offers a gateway to the unique fjord diving of Southern Chile, characterized by deep walls and cold-water invertebrate life. Divers often encounter cold-water corals and sea anemones that thrive in the deep, protected channels of the sound.
Access. Dive shops in Puerto Montt offer boat-based excursions to various sites within the Reloncaví Sound and nearby islands.
Notes. The environment is strictly cold-water; drysuit certification is highly recommended.
Quintero Bay
Ventanas
Davidlohr Bueso from California, US / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Known as a primary hub for wreck diving in central Chile, Quintero offers several accessible shipwrecks resting on the sandy and rocky seabed. These sites attract divers interested in maritime history and the artificial reef ecosystems that have formed around the hulls.
Access. Easily reached from Valparaíso or Viña del Mar; local dive shops organize regular boat excursions to the wreck sites.
Notes. Depth ranges from 15m to 30m; visibility can be limited; suitable for intermediate divers.