Scuba Diving Sites in Puerto Madryn
Great variety of scuba diving sites are offered by the city of
Puerto Madryn.
The following list presents the most important ones.
Embarked access (No 1 and 2 in map) These scuba diving sites are natural reefs, among the few rock formations of the zone. The site is full of small caves with a wealth of algae, some of which are of Asiatic origin and were probably brought to the area by ships. The parks are at a distance of approximately 500 meters from the shore and about 400 meters from Almirante Storni wharf. The maximum depth is of 11 meters during the high tide and the minimum is 3.5-4 meters.
"Rio de Oro" Shipwreck: Embarked access (No 3 in map) Rio de Oro is a 25 meters long wooden schooner sunken around 60 years ago. It leans on a lime surface, which demands best possible floatability to keep maximum possible visibility. The shipwreck is locates at 400 meters from Piedra Buena wharf. Maximum depth is 18 meters and minimum 13 meters.
"Parque Viejo" scuba diving site: Embarked access (No 4 in map) The park was created around the Emma shipwreck which belonged to the Sir Shakleton expedition fleed in 1900. The pioneers of submarine tourism in the region expanded the area with additional structures such as buses and cars. The maximum depth is 17 meters and the minimum 12 meters.
"Parque Nuevo" scuba diving site: Embarked access and/or shore diving with buoy. (No 5 in map). This is an artificial diving park constructed of junk vehicles, a small shipwreck, a few boats, etc. All these artifacts serve as caves for the abundant fish in the zone. This park is also the scenario for "Submarine Baptisms". It is located at approximately 400 meters from the shore. Maximum depth is 10 meters and minimum is 4 meters.
"Albatros" Shipwreck: (No 6 in map) 
This is a fishing boat of 30 meters length, sunken in September 1998 with the purpose of creating a new diving site. Maximum depth is 25 meters and minimum 15 meters. This site is for veteran divers and its natural inhabitation is being studied.
"The Arc of Madryn": Embarked access. (No 7 in map) On December 30 1999 the community of the city ceremoniously sunk a chest full of messages from the citizens for the generation of 2100. The chest will be opened on that year for the first time. There is a plastic guest book for every visitor to sign on it. Each diver must take an object to leave as evidence and leave it inside the stone box instead of the object that was left by the previous diver. (The objects may be knives, keys, etc) This site is for veteran divers only. The maximum depth is 30 meters.
"Restinga de Punta Cuevas": Embarked access (No 8 in map) This is a small naturally shaped rock scuba diving site. It is located at 200 meters from the shore. The fauna variety is not big but the rock formations are interesting. The maximum depth is 10 meters and the minimum 5 meters.
"Punta Este Costa": Embarked access (No 9 in map) It is possible to reach the site from the shore. This is a site with interesting rock formations, caves and canyons. Its maximum depth is 8 meters and the minimum 3 meters. It is best to approach the site during medium to high tide.
"Punta Este Off Shore": Embarked access (No 10 in map) Naturally formed scuba diving site. It is a plateau located at a distance of 2 Km from the shore. The maximum depth is 12 meters and the minimum 8 meters. Sometimes, at the high tide, there may be strong streams.
"Folias Shipwreck": Embarked access or access from the shore. 
The shipwreck is located at 500 meters from the shore. Access is possible swimming. The vessel suffered a fire aboard around 20 years ago. It is 60 meters long and it is one of the most interesting shipwrecks is the zone. It is recommended to visit during the high tide when it is totally immersed. Maximum depth is 11 meters and the minimum 7 meters.
Fauna and Flora
All the sites above mentioned are inhabited by fauna and flora typical of the template waters of North Patagonia. At simple sight it may seem there is no great variety of colors but a second glimpse will reveal a wealth of animal and vegetal life, from the largest fish to the smallest crustaceans. The fauna present in these areas are particularly confident which allows the diver to interact closely without altering their behavior. Resources: Spanish Text: Alejandra Perez Photography: Hector Monsalve
http://www.madryn.com/buceo/lugares.htm
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