

Best for beginner divers, 5-6m, shore & boat entry, moderate current.
El Doradillo is a sheltered bay on the Patagonia coast featuring a mix of natural and artificial reef structures. The site is suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 5 to 6 metres and visibility between 10 and 30 metres. Divers should be prepared for cold water temperatures between 11 and 19 degrees Celsius, necessitating a thick wetsuit. The moderate current requires careful positioning. Hazards include sea urchins, so divers should be mindful of their placement. The site offers convenient facilities including parking, toilets, and first aid. Guided tours are available to assist with navigation and to help locate local marine life.
-42.66828, -64.98737
Parking, toilets, and first aid are all available at the site, making it a comfortable base for a full day of diving. A guided tour is worth booking if it is your first visit, as a local guide will help you navigate the reef and get the most out of encounters with the sea lions.
Take provincial route 42 north from Puerto Madryn.
Recorded at this site
Depth
5-6m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore & Boat
Water Temp
11-19°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Dec
The site is known for encounters with South American sea lions, while the reef surfaces host sea stars and ascidians.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to its shallow depths and relatively simple navigation.
The site has an average depth of 6 metres, with a range between 5 and 6 metres.
El Doradillo allows for both shore and boat entries.
Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres with a moderate current. Water temperatures are cold year-round, ranging from 11 to 19 degrees Celsius.
Diving at El Doradillo in Puerto Madryn requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at El Doradillo in Puerto Madryn. Water temperatures range from 11°C to 19°C.
The best months to visit El Doradillo in Puerto Madryn are January, February, March, April, May, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.