Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
Scuba diving in Peru holds great surprises for underwater enthusiasts. From the sea lion colonies of the Palomino and Ballestas Islands, to the reefs in the north of the country and wrecks resting off the Pacific coast, the possibilities are varied for both beginners and experienced divers.
The best conditions are generally observed between April and November, when visibility is often more favorable. Water temperature, equipment, safety, required levels, and best sites: discover everything you need to know before diving in Peru.
Peru is not among the world's most famous diving destinations, but its waters harbor surprising biodiversity thanks to the Humboldt Current. From sea lion colonies, rocky reefs, wrecks, and tropical fauna in the north of the country, the possibilities are varied.
The Humboldt Current brings great biological richness to Peruvian waters. Although visibility does not match that of the Caribbean or the Red Sea, encounters with wildlife are often spectacular.
Visibility generally varies between 5 and 20 meters depending on region, season, and Humboldt Current activity.
Central coast (Lima, Paracas): The best conditions are generally observed between April and November, when the sea is often more stable and visibility more favorable.
Northern Peru (Los Órganos, Punta Sal, Máncora): The period from December to April is particularly appreciated thanks to warmer waters and abundant marine life.
Water temperature:
In summary: For sea lions and central coast sites, favor April to November. For warmer waters and sea turtles, northern Peru is particularly attractive between December and April.
Scuba diving in Peru is suitable for both beginners wishing to do a discovery dive and certified divers looking for more technical sites. The required level depends mainly on sea conditions, depth, and visibility.
Indicative prices (2026): Discovery dive: 60 to 120 €; Guided dive with equipment: 40 to 90 €; Open Water certification: 300 to 500 €. Prices vary depending on destination, season, and dive center.
Check that your travel insurance covers scuba diving. Always respect the depth limits associated with your certification and dive with a recognized center. Avoid flying within 18 to 24 hours after a dive to reduce decompression-related risks.
Never touch marine animals and avoid any contact with reefs or rocky bottoms. Use environmentally friendly sunscreen and do not leave any waste on beaches or on boats.
Wetsuit: On the central coast (Lima, Paracas), a 5 to 7 mm wetsuit is generally recommended due to the cool waters influenced by the Humboldt Current. In northern Peru, a lighter wetsuit may suffice depending on the season.
Gear: Dive centers generally provide all equipment: wetsuit, regulator, buoyancy compensator, tank, and weights. Regular divers often prefer to use their own mask and dive computer.
Certifications: Several centers offer PADI, SSI, or equivalent training, from discovery to advanced levels.
The main dive centers are located in Lima (Callao), Paracas, Los Órganos, Punta Sal, and Máncora. Paracas is accessible by bus from Lima in about 3h30. For northern Peru, flying to Talara or Tumbes allows quick access to dive areas. Accommodations range from budget hostels to seaside hotels sometimes offering packages with dive outings.