Austral Divers

Situated in Quintay, with additional presence in Playa Blanca, Austral Divers has been a fixture of the Chilean diving scene since 2003. The centre is run by the Oyarzún family, who bring over two decades of experience to the operation, ensuring a professional and personalised approach to every dive.

The centre serves as a gateway to some of the most biodiverse waters in the region. From the cold, nutrient-dense currents of the Chilean coast to organised expeditions in Costa Rica, Roatán, and the Maldives, they cater to divers looking for both local training and international adventure.

The centre is a PADI 5 Star facility led by the Oyarzún family, who personally direct their international expeditions. This ensures that the high standards maintained in Quintay are carried through to remote locations like Juan Fernández or the Riviera Maya.

Instruction is provided in both Spanish and English, making it accessible for international divers. The team follows a strict ratio of one guide per diver, ensuring close supervision and safety during all outings.

For those looking to turn a hobby into a career, the centre provides the full professional pathway. They host the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC), guiding students from Divemaster through to Scuba Instructor.

Austral Divers provides a complete spectrum of PADI training. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the BubbleMaker programme for children, progressing through Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.

For more experienced divers, a wide array of PADI Specialties are available, including Nitrox, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, and Sidemount Diver. They also offer technical and skill-based training such as Dry Suit Diver, Search and Recovery, and Buoyancy Control.

Professional training is a core strength, covering the path from Rescue Diver and Divemaster to the Instructor Development Course (IDC). They also offer niche courses like Underwater Photography and Marine Naturalist to enhance your underwater skills.

The shore-based facilities are designed for comfort and efficiency, featuring a heated swimming pool specifically for initial training and skill reinforcement. After a dive, you can use the hot showers and relax on the terraces, which include kitchen and barbecue facilities.

For those staying longer, the Hostal Austral provides dedicated accommodation exclusively for the centre's divers. The centre also offers full kit hire using Scubapro equipment, including specialised options for children.

The waters around Chile and the islands are home to a diverse range of pelagics. You can encounter grey sharks, white-tip sharks, and eagle rays, as well as dolphins and various species of turtles.

The Humboldt Current and the meeting of currents near Juan Fernández bring large numbers of fish, including schools of tropical fish and rays. Depending on the season, you may also see whale sharks and manta rays.

In the reefs of Cozumel, the environment is defined by vibrant coral gardens and dense banks of tropical fish. In the Maldives, the area around Hanifaru Bay is a significant site for spotting large numbers of manta rays while snorkelling.

Divers should be prepared for the cold waters of the Humboldt Current in Chile, as well as the unique conditions found in Juan Fernández, where the meeting of the Peru and Humboldt currents can create significant activity.

The centre operates year-round, with most expeditions and local dives being accessible throughout the seasons.