Pacific Divers

Pacific Divers operates as a PADI 5 Star centre with a presence in Lima, maintaining a shop in Miraflores and its main operational base in Pucusana. Located an hour south of the capital, Pucusana provides a sheltered environment for diving, protected by a local island that keeps the waters relatively calm.

The area is characterised by vibrant marine life and diverse habitats, ranging from kelp and sargassum forests to rocky reefs. It is a prime location for those looking to encounter larger pelagics and local coastal species in a setting that accommodates all experience levels.

The centre is a PADI 5 Star facility, meaning it meets rigorous professional and operational standards. They are also MINCETUR accredited, ensuring compliance with Peruvian maritime and tourism regulations.

Instruction is provided in both Spanish and English. The team covers the entire spectrum of diver training, from the initial Discover Scuba Diving experiences through to Divemaster and Instructor certifications.

The course catalogue is extensive, covering all PADI levels. Beginners can start with the PADI Open Water Diver course, while those looking to advance can progress through Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Master Scuba Diver programmes.

Speciality training is a core part of the curriculum, including PADI Deep Diver Specialty, PADI Night Diver, PADI Boat Diver, and PADI Dry Suit Diving. For those interested in technical or advanced skills, they offer Sidemount, Specialty Buoyancy, and Underwater Navigation.

Professional training is also available for those pursuing a career in diving, including Divemaster and Instructor pathways. The centre also facilitates environmental education through Project AWARE.

The centre utilises a lancha specifically designed for diving operations. This vessel is equipped to handle local excursions and provides a stable platform for getting you to the dive sites around Pucusana.

For night dives, the boat is fitted with specialised lighting to ensure safe navigation and visibility. Onboard, you will find snacks and water to keep you hydrated between dives.

The Pucusana base is well-equipped for shore-based preparation, featuring changing rooms with lockers, hot showers, and a dedicated area for rinsing your kit. There is also a professional equipment washing station and a pier for easy boat access.

Full equipment hire is available for fun dives, covering all standard sizes. For those looking for technical support, the centre is a Scubapro authorised service provider, offering certified maintenance for your regulators and other life-support equipment.

The local waters are teeming with life, particularly around the kelp forests. You can expect to encounter sea lions, rays, and various species of reef fish such as trevallies, chitas, and blennies. Moray eels and various species of crabs, sea urchins, and starfish are also common on the seabed.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, including octopus, frogfish, scorpionfish, and various species of anemones. Look closely for camaleones, nudibranchs, and small species like combtooth blennies.

In the deeper or more open areas, you may encounter mantas, stingrays, and different types of sharks, including white tip sharks. The presence of penguins and various species of jellyfish adds to the seasonal variety of the marine environment.

The waters around Pucusana are generally calm due to the protection provided by the local island, which helps maintain low current levels. This makes the area accessible for a wide range of divers.

While the area is well-suited for most of the year, August can bring colder water conditions. Most diving is conducted in a range of temperatures that vary significantly between the warmer and cooler seasons.