Parque Nuevo

Parque Nuevo is a beginner-friendly dive site in the Golfo Nuevo near Puerto Madryn, Argentine Patagonia. This site takes its name from its location in the 'new park' area of the gulf, offering divers a convenient and accessible underwater experience in one of South America's most productive marine environments. The underwater landscape at Parque Nuevo features a mix of sandy and rocky bottom terrain that creates varied habitats within a compact diving area. Rocky outcrops and boulder formations punctuate the sandy seabed, providing the hard substrate that marine organisms need for attachment and shelter. These natural structures act as mini-reefs, concentrating biodiversity in an otherwise homogeneous environment. The marine life at Parque Nuevo reflects the extraordinary productivity of the Patagonian continental shelf. The cold, nutrient-rich waters support dense populations of invertebrates on every available hard surface, while the sandy areas host burrowing organisms, flatfish, and various species of ray. Fish congregate around the rocky features, and the site falls within the territory of Puerto Madryn's resident sea lion population, meaning encounters with these engaging animals are always a possibility. Conditions at Parque Nuevo are welcoming for newer divers. Depths are moderate, currents are typically gentle within the sheltered gulf, and the site can be reached without extensive boat travel. The mix of terrain types allows divers to choose their focus - from rock formations to sandy flats - based on their interests and comfort level. As with all Patagonian dive sites, water temperature is the main consideration. The gulf ranges from approximately 8 degrees Celsius in winter to 18 degrees in the warmest summer months, requiring proper thermal protection year-round. The most comfortable diving conditions are found from December through March. Visibility averages 5 to 10 meters, though calm conditions can bring significantly better clarity. The soft, diffused light of the southern latitudes creates atmospheric underwater conditions that, combined with the rich marine life, make even simple dives feel special. Parque Nuevo is a reliable and accessible dive that delivers the authentic Patagonian underwater experience within easy reach of Puerto Madryn.