Nature tourism and close encounters with biodiversity and the most native aspects of our lands are gaining more and more interest. This is the case of diving in Camarones, Chubut.
The story of José Luis Orlando is ideal to illustrate the fascination that this corner of the South Atlantic generates.
“I was born and raised in Camarones,” he declares while chatting with Ambiente de la provincia, with a tone that evokes childhood memories, beach games, and a sea that has always been there.
His encounter with diving in 2009 was unexpected love at first sight. “With Alejandro Balado, a friend and diving instructor, I had my first experience here on the coasts of Camarones. I felt beautiful sensations: peace, tranquility, and a hint of anxiety to explore this new world I was getting to know,” he expressed.
**Jump into the blue: a frosty challenge**
And indeed, diving in Camarones is an experience in itself. The low water temperatures, even in summer, and the wildness of the sea make it a challenge that demands respect and preparation. But, like everything worth it, the reward is immense.
“This also makes Camarones have its particular charm,” explained Orlando. “What sets it apart from other renowned places in the area is that here everything you find while diving is in its natural state. There is nothing created by man,” he added.
In this part of the world, divers can descend into the depths of the Atlantic and see a vibrant, natural ecosystem, pristine, where marine life flourishes in its purest state.
Colorful snails, starfish of all sizes, anemones swaying with the currents, forests of algae where the sunlight draws magical filigrees, elusive octopuses, silver salmon, and schools of silversides that shine like liquid silver. All of this, in the natural habitat that belongs to them.
**Rays of light in underwater forests: the magic of Camarones**
Orlando conveys his passion by describing one of his most cherished experiences. “When there is good visibility, you are in a forest of algae, you look up and see how the rays of light come in. It’s a beautiful feeling! You have to experience it to understand it,” he stated.
His enthusiasm is contagious. His voice conveys the magic of the underwater world, the peace found in the silence of the depths, the connection with nature in its wildest state.
That mystique of the sea also led him to live experiences that remained etched in his memory. One of them was with his friend and mentor, Eugenio “el Tano” Borsi: together they placed a plaque on the sunken steamship Villarino, off Isla Blanca, loaded with history for the area. Later, he collaborated in the creation of the three Submarine Tourism Areas currently enabled in the Bay of Camarones.
“One of the best things that happened to me was being able to dive with my son, with my daughter, and with my partner. Living those moments with them is truly beautiful,” he shared.
**A project that beats**
Now, this explorer seeks to take a step further: together with a group of friends, he plans to open a diving operator, which would be the only one in Camarones. The idea is simple but powerful: that tourists and local residents can safely discover that universe vibrating beneath the surface.
“More and more people are coming to Camarones attracted by nature tourism, and diving is part of that proposal,” he expressed enthusiastically.
The bet is significant: to turn Camarones into a reference destination for those seeking authentic experiences in contact with the sea. “I always recommend daring. Diving marks you forever, opens your eyes to an incredible world. Of course, with good equipment and good instructors to enjoy it, calm and safe,” he insisted.
His vision is clear: to offer safe, educational, and environmentally respectful experiences that allow visitors and locals who have never experienced it to discover the hidden beauty of the depths of Camarones.
In José’s words, there is something more than just passion for an activity: the vision of someone who wants to share with the world the richness of his place. Camarones does not offer artifices or decorations, but the truth of an untamed and generous sea. And in that truth, men like him find a purpose.
**Source: Ambiente Chubut- Diego Crova**
