Montevideo Diving School
Mar Artico 1218, 11500 MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay
Explore Uruguay
Diving in Uruguay surprises with a gentle, unhurried character: visibility is often modest but ranges improve in late spring and summer, and the waters host kelp beds, rocky reefs and a scattering of intriguing wrecks. Typical marine life includes schools of croaker and mullet, patient rays, octopus and the occasional shy seahorse; seasonally you may spot migratory whales and dolphins along the coast. Many sites are shallow and accessible, making shore entries common, while short boat trips reach deeper reefs and isolated wrecks suitable for day dives.
Conditions favor relaxed drift and reef diving rather than dramatic walls, and local operators emphasize straightforward, comfortable itineraries rather than liveaboards—though private charters are available for multi-site days. A surprising highlight is the mixture of Atlantic temperate fauna and river-influenced ecosystems near estuaries, offering unique photographic opportunities. For divers seeking calm, species-rich shores and easy logistics, Uruguay provides an honest, approachable experience with seasonal wildlife bonuses and a strong sense of coastal culture.
Power Plug Type
C, F, L
Payment Method
VISA, MC, Cir, Plus
Tipping
10%
Airports
MVD
Currency
Uruguayan Peso (UYU)
Dial Code
+598
Electricity
Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz
Time
Uruguay Standard Time (UYT) - UTC −3
Dive Centers
Top Uruguay Dive Sites
Isla de Lobos
A protected reserve famous for large colonies of South American sea lions and occasional fur seals, with coastal fish and invertebrates. Adventure: easy to intermediate. Type: scuba and freediving (freediving possible). Special: marine reserve and wildlife viewing.
Punta del Este Reefs
Rocky reefs with temperate fish, octopus and nudibranchs amid kelp-like algal beds. Adventure: intermediate. Type: scuba and occasional freediving. Special: dramatic rocky formations and strong currents at times near popular beaches.
La Paloma Coast
Rocky outcrops and sandy bottoms hosting benthic invertebrates, fish schools and crabs. Adventure: easy to intermediate. Type: scuba. Special: clear bays for sheltered dives and seasonal larger species sightings.
Punta del Diablo Shores
Rugged shoreline with reefs, sponges and small schools of fish; sightings of rays and occasional pelagics. Adventure: intermediate to advanced due to surge and currents. Type: scuba. Special: natural underwater rock formations and dramatic surf zone.
Cabo Polonio Area
Coastal reefs and sandy plains with diverse invertebrates and temperate fish; nearby sea lion colonies on shore. Adventure: easy to intermediate. Type: scuba and freediving (freediving possible). Special: near protected coastal dunes and conservation zones.