El Chuncho - Lima & Palomino Islands

Joeys’ Maze in the Bay of Islands is one of those sites that just feels… playful. We love drifting through the tight canyons and channels that give it its name, feeling the gentle surge nudge us along. It’s a proper maze, too; we’ve definitely taken a few wrong turns over the years, which is half the fun. It’s not a deep dive, maxing out around 16m, but there’s so much to explore. The kelp is thick here, creating shadowy hideouts for olive rockfish and black cod. Keep an eye out for Big-belly seahorses clinging to the stalks; they’re surprisingly camouflaged. Our favourite trick is to spot the patches of clean white sand between the coral and kelp, usually a good indicator of where a southern eagle ray might be resting. Visibility averages around 8m, which feels just right for the intimate scale of the maze. We’d suggest going at slack tide to really take your time poking into every nook and cranny. It’s perfect for open water divers looking for something a bit more adventurous than a simple drift, but still very manageable.

Location
Lima & Palomino Islands, Peru, South America
Coordinates
-12.472400, -76.798600
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Sistema de Islas, Islotes y Puntas Guaneras

Best Time to Dive in Lima & Palomino Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Lima & Palomino Islands occur in January, averaging 22.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 22.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 22.5°C (air: 19.9°C)
  • February: 22.5°C (air: 20.7°C)
  • March: 22.5°C (air: 20.8°C)
  • April: 22.5°C (air: 19.6°C)
  • May: 22.5°C (air: 17.7°C)
  • June: 22.5°C (air: 16.8°C)
  • July: 22.5°C (air: 16.1°C)
  • August: 22.5°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • September: 22.5°C (air: 15.4°C)
  • October: 22.5°C (air: 15.6°C)
  • November: 22.5°C (air: 16.8°C)
  • December: 22.5°C (air: 18.0°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Lima & Palomino Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to El Chuncho

Marine Life in Lima & Palomino Islands

Home to 40 recorded species including 28 reef fish, 3 whales & dolphins, 3 other, 3 sharks & rays, 1 clams & mussels, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for El Chuncho

Based on average water temperature of 22.5°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 23°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical maximum depth for diving at El Chuncho in Pucusana, Peru?
The typical maximum depth for diving at El Chuncho is 13 meters. Divers can expect an average depth of 10 meters, making it a comfortable dive for many. This site is well-suited for exploring its unique underwater features.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at El Chuncho dive site?
At El Chuncho, divers can explore an incredible kelp forest, which serves as a vibrant habitat. This underwater ecosystem is home to many species of fish, crabs, and anemones, offering a rich viewing experience. It's a fantastic spot to observe diverse marine life in a protected environment.
Is El Chuncho considered a difficult dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
El Chuncho is officially rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site. However, it is widely known as the spot where most divers in the Lima region learn to dive, thanks to its sufficiently protected bay and almost always optimal diving conditions. This makes it a suitable and popular choice for those just starting their diving journey.
What is the best time of year to dive at El Chuncho in Pucusana for optimal conditions or specific marine encounters?
The diving conditions at El Chuncho are described as almost always optimal due to its protected bay. While specific seasonal recommendations for optimal conditions or marine encounters are not detailed, its consistent conditions suggest it's a good dive spot year-round. For general information on diving seasons, you can visit our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at El Chuncho in Pucusana?
While El Chuncho is rated as an intermediate dive site, it is also where many divers in the region learn. This suggests that a basic open water certification would likely be sufficient, especially when diving with local instructors or dive centers. Always check with your chosen dive operator for their specific certification requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What are the typical current and water conditions at El Chuncho dive site in Pucusana?
El Chuncho benefits from being a sufficiently protected bay, which means the diving conditions are almost always optimal, implying minimal strong currents. Divers can typically expect an average visibility of 4 meters, providing clear views of the underwater kelp forest and its inhabitants. These calm conditions make it an excellent site for learning and exploration.