Learn to Dive in Argentina
Argentina’s Highlights
Located in South America, Argentina has the South Atlantic Ocean to the East and Drake’s Passage to the South. Dive sites can go deep with most not reaching the bottom until 50 or 60 meters. The bottom structure is heterogeneous, a mixture of sand, stones and rock formations.
Many do not even think of Argentina when they think of scuba diving. Those brave enough to dive in the cold waters near Ushuaia and Tierra de Fuego can be fortunate enough to spot sea lions, or on the Peninsula of Valdes, maybe elephant seals.
Peninsula Valdes is home to an important breeding population of the endangered Southern right whale, as well as important breeding populations of southern elephant seals and Southern sea lions. You might even hear whale songs all the way through a dive!
The Monte Cervantes Shipwreck at Ushuaia was discovered relatively recently and is the main attraction of the Beagle Channel.
To dive in Argentina, the majority are fans of cold-water diving, with a preference for wall and drift dives both in salt and freshwater. The most popular dive sites are located in the Valdes Peninsula, Puerto Madrina and Ushuaia. The low water temperature attracts a large range of fish and marine animals, including sea lions, dolphins and sharks.
When is the best time to go diving in Argentina?
Diving is possible year-round in Argentina. Although, dry-suits may be required for the winter months.
Water Temperature: In Buenos Aires, from December to February the water is between 15°C to 17°C in summer and 8°C to 9°C in winter months. In Ushuaia, water temperature is between 2°C and 10°C all year-round.
Currents: Moderate to strong currents in Ushuaia
Visibility: Visibility is usually high at around 30 meters.
Argentina’s best dive sites
Valdes Peninsula
The Valdes Peninsula is located in the Atlantic Ocean. The coastline is home to many marine mammals from sea lions, to elephant seals and fur seals. This peninsula is also the breeding ground for Southern right whales. Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José are protected bodies of water around the peninsula and around Patagonia. The baleen whales arrive between May and December, for mating and to give birth, as the water is usually calmer here than in the surrounding areas. There’s a chance to see orcas in the open sea off the peninsula. Orcas are known to beach themselves on shore as they hunt sea lions and elephant seals.
Punto Loma
Punta Loma is located a mere 25-minute boat ride from Puerto Madryn along the Peninsula Valdes. This area is made memorable by the chance of diving with sea lions. The site is easy and shallow, great for new divers. Sea lions are known to approach divers if they sit waiting calmly on the seabed. There are numerous photo opportunities with these playful pups.
Estancia Tunel, Ushuaia
Ushuaia, in Patagonia, is labelled as the ‘City of the End of the World’ because of its location on the southernmost tip of Argentina. Estancia Tunel features a small underwater wall reaching down to 10 meters and extending out to about 23 meters. There’s a lot to see including a kelp forest, jellyfish, sea lions, corals and king crabs. Scuba diving in Tierra del Fuego is a unique experience. The spots can sometimes be inaccessible or difficult to dive because of weather conditions and wind changing direction throughout the day.
About the country
Buenos Aires is South America’s most visited city. Learn how to dance the Tango, with vivacious nightlife around Argentina, whether clubbing, live music or bar hopping is your thing there is something to suit every taste. Argentina is full of natural wonders. The glaciers and mountains in Patagonia or the waterfalls in Iguazu are world-renowned offering some of the most amazing hiking in the world. Other popular outdoor activities in Argentina include: windsurfing, hiking, surfing, rafting and fishing.
Recreational Courses in Argentina
Dive Centers in Argentina
Getting to Argentina
The easiest way to get to Argentina is to fly. There are flights from various places in America, the UK and across Europe. Argentina can also be accessed by bus or car from neighboring countries.
Other important information
- Capital: Buenos Aires
- Official Language: Spanish
- Other recognised languages: Gurani, Quechua, Qom, Mocovi, Wichi and Welsh
- Demonym: Argentinian
- Currency: Argentine Peso
- Calling code: +54
- Driving Side: Right
- Population: Close to 45 million
- Pressure: Pounds/square inch (psi)
- First Stage: INT/Yoke
