Dive-site story
Located off the coast of Quintay in central Chile, El Arco is defined by a prominent submerged granite archway surrounded by rocky shelves and kelp beds. Cold, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current waters wash over the reef, sustaining encrusting sponges, tunicates, and dense colonies of sea anemones that carpet the rock surfaces. Divers navigate through the archway while exploring surrounding gullies where coastal fish shelter from ocean swell.
Natural granite arch formation offering an atmospheric swim-through
Dense walls of colourful sea anemones and cold-water invertebrates
Kelp canopies providing shelter for endemic Humboldt Current fish species
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Austral summer and early autumn bring calmer sea states and slightly warmer surface conditions.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chilean Sandperch (Rollizo)Parapercis chilensis | Common | ||||||||||||
| BilagayCheilodactylus variegatus | Common | ||||||||||||
| JerguillaAplodactylus punctatus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Red Sea AnemonePhymactis papillosa | Common | ||||||||||||
| Chilean Sea LemonDoris fontainii | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
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