Divers Guide to Chile

Average water temp 55°F; Easter Island: low 70s >> What to wear Semidry or drysuit >> Average viz 50-80 feet; Easter Island: 80-plus feet >> When to go December to February

Under the shadow of a seaweed forest off Chile’s southern town of Puerto Montt, a rock moves. The master of disguise — a mimic octopus — leaves the safety of its camouflage. Finding its next hideout over a garden of sea anemones, the octopus disappears into the coral. As it chooses its hiding spot, two Risso’s dolphins patrol the marine bottom.

With an area covering almost 3,000 miles from north to south (this also includes the many islands of the Patagonian Archipelago), the wide Chilean Sea is a blue frontier open to exploration. The Humboldt Current, rich in oxygen and nutrients, flows north from the southern tip of Chile to northern Peru. Considered a major upwelling system, it attracts an abundance of marine life to its waters.

During summer, sites like the Cathedral are home to sea lions, congregations of jellyfish, and schools of mackerel that come here for the shelter of the forests of algae before their journey to New Zealand.

Chile’s Easter Island, located in the southeastern waters of the Pacific Ocean, is also full of life. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Easter Island’s transparent waters offer views of a brilliant seascape, with vertical walls starting at shallow depths and a plethora of precious cold-water jewels like colorful corals, yellow butterflyfish and green sea turtles.

From playful sea lions to hard-to-spot octopuses, the waters off the Chilean coast are a diver’s dream.

Don't-Miss Dives
The Motus, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) This volcanic island is full of lava-shaped passes and corals. A 10-minute boat ride to the three lava islets that surface from the sea, also known as the Motus, delivers divers to lobsters, rockfish, tuna, barracuda and even the occassional Galapagos shark.

Más Afuera
Known as a local favorite just off the coast of La Serena, divers can glide along a large rock formation painted with red anemones and fish that feed on the nutrient-rich current. Other critters include yellow and pink sponges, housing tiny govies and nudibranchs.

Tic-Toc Bay
Located at the south of Chiloé, this bay was recently declared a marine protected area for its abundance of red sea urchins, crabs, kelp forests and sea lions. In summer, the area is of particular interest to scientists searching for blue whales.

Divers Day Off:
Thermal Baths
While on land, get pampered at places like Puyuhuapi and Chillán — some of the most well-known hot springs surrounded by native wildlife.

On the Table
When it comes to Chilean cuisine, tuna is the way to go. From fried empanadas to just-out-of-the-ocean ceviche, meals here center on this fresh fish.

Easter Island
The area may be known for its iconic Ahu and Moai statues, but respect is key. Visitors are allowed to look but not touch.

At the Beach
Head to Easter Island's Anakena beach for a swim, then dive or walk (2.2 miles) to the pink sands of Ovahe Beach. Clear, unlit skis make it a perfect spot for star-gazing.