Diving in Puerto Madryn: The Ultimate Guide

Puerto Madryn is Argentina’s diving capital, offering spectacular underwater experiences in the clear waters of the Golfo Nuevo. From diving with sea lions to exploring shipwrecks and artificial reefs, this destination is perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike.

Best Dive Sites in Puerto Madryn

1️⃣ Punta Loma – Diving with Sea Lions

• Highlight: Interact with playful sea lions in their natural habitat.

• Best Time: Year-round, but best visibility in summer (Nov-March).

• Depth: 5-10 meters (16-33 ft).

• Who Can Dive? Beginners & certified divers.

2️⃣ Artificial Reefs & Shipwrecks 

Puerto Madryn has several sunken ships, creating artificial reefs full of marine life.

• 💀 Folias Wreck (9m) – A sunken cargo ship covered in marine growth.

• 🛳️ Albatros Wreck (27m) – Advanced dive with large schools of fish.

• 🦑 Miralles Wreck (20m) – Popular for octopuses and sea stars.

• 🐟 Yellow Submarine Reef (20m) – An artificial reef project attracting lots of marine life.

3️⃣ Golfo Nuevo – Deep Diving & Advanced Sites 

• Depth: 15-35 meters (49-115 ft).

• Highlights: Kelp forests, big fish, and occasional dolphins!

• Who Can Dive? Advanced divers (PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent).

Scuba Diving in Puerto Madryn

Dive into Puerto Madryn's underwater paradise, encounter playful sea lions, and explore vibrant marine life. Unforgettable scuba diving awaits! Book now!

From Price: USD 105

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Submarine Baptism in Puerto Madryn: Your First Underwater Adventure

If you’ve never dived before, Puerto Madryn is one of the best places in the world to try it! A Submarine Baptism (also called Discover Scuba Diving) allows non-certified divers to experience the underwater world safely, with an instructor.

What is a Submarine Baptism?

It’s a beginner-friendly diving experience where you:
✔ Learn the basics of diving and breathing underwater.
✔ Wear full scuba gear (tank, wetsuit, fins, mask).
✔ Dive in shallow, calm waters, guided by a professional.

📌 No certification or experience required!

Peninsula Valdes Standard Pass

Experience Patagonia's wildlife wonders with our Peninsula Valdes Pass. Witness whales, penguins, and more. Book now!

From Price: USD 590

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Marine Life You Can See

✔ Sea lions (playful and curious).
✔ Octopuses, seahorses & nudibranchs.
✔ Large schools of fish (including groupers and jacks).
✔ Stingrays & small sharks (harmless).
✔ Dolphins & whales (seasonal).

Chubut River Valley Excursion

Embark on an immersive journey through Rio Chubut Valley, where paleontology, Welsh heritage, and scenic charm await. Unforgettable experiences awaits

• Adventure

From Price: USD 115

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Best Time for Diving in Puerto Madryn

• June – December → Whale season! You might hear them underwater.
• November – March → Best visibility & warmer waters.
• April – May → Fewer tourists, good conditions.

How to Book a Dive?

• Best Dive Shops: Several PADI-certified operators in Puerto Madryn offer diving trips.

• No Experience? Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) programs are available.

• Check with us about diving options

Diving with Sea Lions in Puerto Madryn: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience!

If you love marine life and adventure, diving with sea lions in Puerto Madryn is a must! These playful, curious animals will swim around you, approach closely, and sometimes even mimic your movements. It’s an interactive and ethical wildlife experience in their natural habitat.

What to Expect During the Dive

1️⃣ Boat Ride – A 20-30 min trip from Puerto Madryn.
2️⃣ Briefing & Gear Setup – Safety instructions and equipment check.
3️⃣ First Contact in the Water – Sea lions may circle you, nibble on fins, or swim playfully.
4️⃣ Underwater Time – Usually 30-45 minutes of diving.

The sea lions are naturally curious! They often come close, spin around you, and even interact. However, touching them is not allowed.

Why diving with sealions is a unique experience?

✔ One of the few places in the world where diving with sea lions is allowed.
✔ The animals are not fed or trained – it’s a 100% natural interaction.
✔ Perfect for all levels, including beginners doing a Submarine Baptism.

Peninsula Valdes Tour With Whale Watching

Embark on a Peninsula Valdes tour for unforgettable whale watching and rare wildlife encounters. Expert guides and transfers included. Book now!

From Price: USD 130

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Who Can Join?

✅ Certified Divers (PADI Open Water or equivalent).
✅ Beginners → You can do it as part of a Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) experience.
✅ Snorkelers → If you don’t want to dive, you can snorkel instead!

Is It Ethical to dive with sea lions?

Yes! This experience follows strict regulations:

• No feeding or touching the animals.

• Limited group sizes and time in the water.

• Respect for natural behavior → Sea lions choose to interact.

Diving With Sea Lions in Puerto Madryn

Diving with sea lions is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have in the crystal-clear waters of Golfo Nuevo.

• Adventure

From Price: USD 299

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