Bariloche, Nahuel Huapi and Moreno Lakes

In the Water

• Only enter with an appropriately certified/authorized guide and a dive matched to certification, medical fitness and cold-water experience.
• Check surface wind, visibility, boat traffic, the planned entry and maximum depth. Steep walls and overhang/penetration possibilities are not endorsed for new divers.
• Diving at these lake elevations needs altitude-aware decompression planning. Follow the instructor and DAN guidance, and do not immediately drive to higher mountains or fly after diving. For divers without symptoms of decompression sickness, DAN suggests at least 12 hours after a single no-stop dive and at least 18 hours after repetitive no-stop dives, with longer buffers safer.
• Control cold stress with appropriately fitted thermal gear and warm dry clothing. Stop for uncontrollable shivering, disorientation or impaired dexterity.
• Require an emergency oxygen kit, communications, a named evacuation path and a realistic plan for post-dive symptoms. Avoid relying on a chamber supposedly nearby unless its operation is confirmed.
• Freedive only with a trained rescue buddy using one-up one-down supervision; never hyperventilate or practice breath-holds alone.
• Never dive or jump from piers; use designated access and comply with boat and swimming-zone rules. Seek urgent medical advice and do not fly if decompression sickness is suspected. Mountain travel after an altitude dive requires a specific altitude-aware plan; a minimum flight interval is not automatic clearance for an uphill road or lift.

The city tourism authority lists Hospital Zonal emergency access (107 and hospital telephone lines) and police (911). In water incidents call Prefectura Naval Argentina (106); the park publishes emergency/alert contacts. A suspected decompression injury needs immediate emergency assessment, high-concentration oxygen when available and professional dive-medical advice. This research did not confirm a functioning Bariloche hyperbaric chamber, a dive-specific ambulance response time or a fixed medical evacuation route. Ask the operator to identify receiving facilities, chamber liaison, oxygen/rescue capability, travel method and insurer coordination before booking, especially for advanced dives.

Protect the Lake and Forest

Nahuel Huapi National Park conserves Andean-Patagonian habitats, including shoreline vegetation used by the threatened huillin river otter. Follow APN restrictions, respect community and landholder access, and use only authorized landing and diving locations. Do not lift rocks or logs, disturb plants or fish, collect specimens, wash equipment with detergents in lakes or feed wildlife. Rinse and dry equipment between water bodies to reduce biological transfer. Do not infer that seeing nonnative trout proves a healthy ecosystem or guarantees wildlife. For beach days, carry out litter, respect posted swimming areas, never dive from piers and light fires only where explicitly permitted. Fishing is a separate permitted activity with its own license and season rules.