Puerto Madryn (Golfo Nuevo / Peninsula Valdes)

Argentina

Puerto Madryn on the sheltered Golfo Nuevo in Chubut Province, Patagonia, is widely described as Argentina's premier scuba diving destination, known for shipwreck dives and encounters with South American sea lions.

Puerto Madryn sits on the Golfo Nuevo, a bay enclosed by the Peninsula Valdes and Punta Ninfas on Argentina's Patagonian Atlantic coast. It combines several sunken vessels that now function as artificial reefs with natural reserves such as Punta Loma, where divers can enter the water with resident South American sea lions. The surrounding Peninsula Valdes area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also renowned for seasonal whale watching. Diving is offered year-round in calm, clear, cold-water conditions.