Diving in Juan Fernandez Islands
Why dive here
Juan Fernandez Islands is a diving destination where divers can encounter humpback whales, octopuses and sperm whales. Water ranges 15-20°C, warmest February, March, April.
Out in the Pacific, the Juan Fernandez Islands feel wonderfully remote. We’ve found the diving here to be pretty unique, a real showcase for those deepwater, endemic species you just won't spot anywhere else. Expect to come face to face with the famously curious Juan Fernandez fur seals, and keep an eye out for the vibrant California yellowtail that cruise these waters. We particularly enjoy the wreck dives, which offer some interesting exploration. The currents can be playful, adding a bit of spice, but generally, it’s a good spot for intermediate divers looking for something a little different.
Juan Fernandez Islands Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Juan Fernandez Islands
Juan Fernandez Islands Dive Sites
3 dive sites in Juan Fernandez Islands
Bahia Cumberland
Bahia Cumberland offers a gentle introduction to diving the Juan Fernandez Islands. Descending into the bay, we often spot common octopus tucked into crevices and the strange, elongated bellowfish drifting by. California yellowtail and schools of jack mackerel zip past, and if you’re lucky, a South Atlantic elephant seal might cruise through the deeper sections, a truly magnificent encounter. Visibility here is usually excellent, making it a comfortable dive for beginners looking to explore a unique ecosystem without strong currents.
El Frances
El Frances delivers exactly what you expect from a Juan Fernandez kelp dive. Dropping in, you're immediately surrounded by these towering fronds, swaying with a gentle rhythm, creating a dynamic, almost ethereal backdrop. It’s a good spot for spotting the endemic Juan Fernandez lobster tucked into rocky crevices, and we’ve often had fur seals zip through the greenery, playful and curious. Depths here range from 5 to 25 meters, making it an excellent intermediate dive where you can truly immerse yourself in the kelp forest environment.
Wreck of SMS Dresden
The SMS Dresden isn't just a wreck; it's a silent sentinel of history, sunk deliberately by her crew in Cumberland Bay in 1915. We love how the story of her scuttling adds an almost eerie reverence to the dive. Dropping down, you’re enveloped by the cool, nutrient-rich waters of the Juan Fernandez archipelago. The wreck itself is broken, but you can clearly make out the bow and stern sections, draped in a tapestry of growth. Visibility here can vary, but when it’s good, the play of light on the twisted metal is genuinely captivating. You’ll find schools of Jack Mackerel swirling around the structure, and we’ve often spotted the curious Common Octopus peeking from crevices. Keep an eye out for the more unusual residents like the deepwater Lanternfish and Bristlemouth, a reminder of the unique ecosystem down here. Exploring the Dresden is a journey into a past era, a sombre monument now home to a fascinating cast of marine life. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history intertwined with an untamed underwater environment.
Juan Fernandez Islands Dive Centres
4 dive shops and operators in Juan Fernandez Islands
Ocean Wildlife in Juan Fernandez Islands
24 species recorded in Juan Fernandez Islands
Juan Fernandez Islands Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Juan Fernandez Islands, calculated from coordinates
Today - Sunday 11 October
Sunrise
05:41
Sunset
18:25
Daylight
12h 44m
Golden Hour
17:52
First light (dawn) at 05:16 · Last light (dusk) at 18:50
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 05:20 | 19:30 | 14h 9m |
| Feb | 05:51 | 19:10 | 13h 19m |
| Mar | 06:15 | 18:36 | 12h 21m |
| Apr | 06:37 | 17:55 | 11h 17m |
| May | 07:00 | 17:25 | 10h 25m |
| JunShortest | 07:18 | 17:15 | 9h 56m |
| Jul | 07:19 | 17:25 | 10h 6m |
| Aug | 06:56 | 17:46 | 10h 50m |
| Sep | 06:17 | 18:07 | 11h 50m |
| OctNow | 05:36 | 18:28 | 12h 52m |
| Nov | 05:06 | 18:56 | 13h 50m |
| DecLongest | 05:00 | 19:22 | 14h 22m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Juan Fernandez Islands.
Where to Stay near Juan Fernandez Islands
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Marine Protected Areas near Juan Fernandez Islands
8 protected areas near Juan Fernandez Islands - please respect local regulations when diving
Mar de Juan Fernández
Archipielago Juan Fernández
Montes submarinos Crusoe y Selkirk
Archipiélago Juan Fernández
Lobería Selkirk
El Arenal
Tierra Blanca
El Palillo
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