Scuba Diving in Paracas
Dive into the Humboldt Current ecosystems: kelp forests, red starfish, and curious sea lions.
Book on WhatsApp- Paracas dock
- Daily 9:00 AM
- Theory + Pacific dive
- 3 Hours
- Pacific marine life
- PADI Discovery Scuba
- No prior cert required
- Beginner Friendly
- 1-on-1 in-water care
- PADI Instructor
- Max 2 divers per pro
- Small Group
- Price per person based on selected dive spot
- S/ 480 (≈ US$ 131)
Adventure details
Scuba diving in Paracas opens the door to one of the most productive seas on Earth: the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current concentrate marine life that surprises even experienced divers.
We offer the Discover Scuba Diving experience for beginners without certification, as well as guided dives for certified divers in two main locations: Paracas Bay ($145 USD / S/ 480 soles) and Islas Blanca ($255 USD / S/ 850 soles).
Every trip is led by certified instructors who manage your buoyancy and guide you step by step, with underwater photos and videos included so you take the memory home.
- Certified bilingual guides
- Free 24h cancellation
- Back in time for evening night buses
Diving Options & Dive Spots
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Paracas Bay ($145 USD / S/ 480)
Diving experience in Paracas Bay. Perfect for beginners and discovery dives in calm, protected waters rich in marine life.
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Islas Blanca ($255 USD / S/ 850)
Boat trip to Islas Blanca to dive in clear island waters with underwater rock structures and diverse wildlife.
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GoPro Photos & Videos
We capture underwater HD photos and videos of your dive so you can remember and share your adventure.
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Complete Equipment
5mm wetsuit, tanks, regulator, BCD jacket, mask, fins, and weights are fully provided.
Meeting point & bus connections
Free hotel pick-up: Complimentary pick-up from any hotel, hostel, or Airbnb in Paracas town / El Chaco area.
Central meeting office: If you are staying outside the center or arriving with luggage before the tour, meet us at our boardwalk office: SolyMar Paracas (Google Maps)
Catching an evening night bus?
All our day and afternoon tours are timed so you return with plenty of time for dinner or to catch your evening night bus (Cruz del Sur, Peru Hop) to Lima, Huacachina, or Arequipa. Free luggage storage is available at our office!
What to bring
Windbreaker or light jacket
Ocean breeze can be brisk on the speedboat, especially during transit to the islands.
Sunscreen & sunglasses
High UV reflection on open water. A hat with a chin strap is recommended.
Camera or phone with strap
Secure your device firmly to shoot photos of sea lions and penguins safely.
Cash for pier taxes
S/ 16 per adult (SERNANP + boarding tax) paid in cash at the pier ticket booth.
Motion sickness pill (optional)
If prone to seasickness, take medication 30 minutes before boarding.
Water bottle
Stay comfortably hydrated during the 2-hour marine excursion.
Loved by travelers worldwide
“Incredible experience with SolyMar! Booking was super easy, guides spoke great English, and the scenery was breathtaking. The best operator in Paracas!”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does scuba diving in Paracas cost?
The price for scuba diving in Paracas depends on the selected dive spot:
• Paracas Bay: $145 USD or S/ 480 soles per person.
• Islas Blanca: $255 USD or S/ 850 soles per person.
Both options include theoretical and practical instruction, a guided dive with a certified instructor, full dive gear (5mm wetsuit, tank, regulator, BCD, weights), digital underwater photos/videos, and boat transport. The SERNANP Paracas Reserve entrance fee (S/ 16.00 soles per person) is paid separately.
Do I need to know how to swim for the Discovery Dive?
Basic water comfort is recommended, but you don't need to be an expert swimmer. Your instructor holds you and manages your buoyancy throughout the dive.
How deep do we go?
For first-time divers, the maximum depth is restricted to 5-10 meters (15-30 feet), which is optimal for natural light, wildlife viewing, and safety.
What marine life will we see?
The cold waters host red starfish, sea urchins, octopuses, crabs, flounders, seasonal seahorses, kelp forests, and frequently curious juvenile sea lions that approach divers.
Isn't the water too cold?
The Paracas sea runs between 14°C and 17°C (57-62°F), which is why all divers wear a full-length 5mm wetsuit that retains body heat. It feels brisk at first and comfortable for the whole dive.
What is the minimum age to dive?
The Discover Scuba Dive is available from age 10 accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no maximum age: only stable general health and no serious heart or respiratory conditions are required.
I am a certified diver. Do you run trips for me?
Yes, we organize guided dives for credentialed divers (PADI/SSI Open Water and above) at sites like Islas Blanca or Paracas Bay, with depth profiles adapted to your level.
Why book with SolyMar Paracas
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Safety first
Modern equipment, certified guides, and complete passenger insurance for total peace of mind.
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Expert local guides
Friendly bilingual guides sharing historical facts, desert geology, and spotting hidden wildlife.
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Licensed operator
We are a formal registered tour operator recognized by Peruvian tourism authorities (MINCETUR).
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Flexible guarantees
Free cancellation up to 24h before or receive a 100% full refund if weather prevents departure.
Limited spots per departure
Ready to start your Paracas adventure?
Get in touch with us today to secure your seats. We confirm your booking in minutes with flexible options!
Pay by card via secure payment link or cash on arrival · Free cancellation up to 24h before