The marine life in Chile is like nowhere else on Earth, fairly actually. Within the Juan Fernández Archipelago alone, 62% of the species are distinctive to the realm. Simply final 12 months, 100 new marine creatures had been found by a deep water expedition.
Chile can be a pacesetter in marine conservation. It has the largest marine park within the Americas and is a spot the place animals can thrive. Listed here are just a few examples of the marine life you possibly can see in Chile.
Chungungo Sea Otter
Meet the chungungo, Chile’s smallest (and arguably cutest) marine mammal. Weighing simply 3-5 kg/6.6-11 lbs), it grows to a most of about 90 cm/35 inches lengthy.
The chungungo was not too long ago named the Chilean wildlife ambassador for 2025. Based on chile.journey, the very best locations to see the chungungo embody:
- Pan de Azúcar Nationwide Park within the Atacama Area
- Chiloé Island close to Cucao or Quellón.
- Patagonia fjords, from Aysén to Magallanes
Chilean Satan Ray
The endemic Chilean Satan Ray has a wingspan of as much as 2.5 meters/8.2 toes and may weigh as much as 350 kg/771 lbs. They’re considerably uncommon, however really awe-inspiring.
Whales and Dolphins
Chile’s prolonged shoreline is dwelling to practically 40% of the world’s whale and dolphin species. It isn’t potential to explicitly e-book an in-water encounter with a dolphin or whale, however it’s potential to see one among these magnificent animals on the best way to or from a dive web site.
- Sperm whales and pilot whales may be seen year-round.
- Orcas can be seen year-round, notably within the Strait of Magellan and round Chiloé.
- Humpback whales cross by in March and April and once more in September.
- Southern proper whales may be seen from June to December.
- Blue whales may be noticed in September and April. Chiloé is an effective place to see them.
Resident dolphin populations embody: Commerson’s (pictured above), Peale’s, bottlenose and dusky dolphins. The endemic Chilean dolphin is without doubt one of the smallest dolphins on the earth.
Seals and Sea Lions
Chile is dwelling to huge Southern Elephant Seals and large South American Sea Lions. Elephant seals are the biggest seals on the earth and may develop to greater than 6 meters/20 toes lengthy and weigh greater than 3600 kg/4 tons. South American Sea Lions can attain 3 meters/9.8 toes lengthy and weigh as a lot as 350 kg/771 lbs.
Males from each species may be aggressive. It’s unlikely you’ll see one underwater. For those who do, don’t look them within the eye.
South American Fur Seals are rather more relaxed. Throughout the day, you’ll probably see them sleeping on a rock. At night time, they hunt squid, fish and crustaceans.
Penguins
There are 18 various kinds of penguins roaming the Earth, and Chile is dwelling to 9 of them — together with the Emperor, Humboldt, King and Magellanic. Penguins are usually shy. So, when you have a very good probability of seeing them from a ship, it’s uncommon for penguins to strategy divers underwater.
If in case you have your coronary heart set on seeing a penguin underwater, strive diving in Punta de Choros. The Pingüino de Humboldt Nationwide Reserve is close by and, though diving with penguins isn’t assured, the birds are barely extra snug round people.
Fish and Different Marine Life
Different marine life you possibly can see in Chile embody:
- Chilean Sandperch
- Crustaceans
- Damselfish
- Groupers
- Big jellyfish (Dec-Feb)
- Marblefish
- Nudibranchs
- Rockfish
- Sculpin
- Sheepshead
Easter Island is dwelling to 142 endemic marine species, together with the Easter Island butterflyfish and the Nazca bigeye. At each Easter Island and the Juan Fernández Archipelago, you possibly can see inexperienced sea turtles and sharks.
What about Chilean Sea Bass?
Even non-divers have probably heard of the Chilean Sea Bass. This controversial menu merchandise lives in deep water, so that you’re unlikely to see one whereas diving.
Discover Chile’s Underwater World
If you wish to see superb marine life in its pure habitat, join with a PADI Dive Store in Chile. These native specialists might help you propose a enjoyable and memorable dive journey.
