Diving in Mar del Plata

Explore 445 dive sites in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Mar del Plata

The warmest water temperatures in Mar del Plata occur in January, averaging 26.7°C. The coolest conditions are in July at 11.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.7°C
  • February: 25.8°C
  • March: 24.1°C
  • April: 20.3°C
  • May: 16.3°C
  • June: 13.0°C
  • July: 11.0°C
  • August: 12.2°C
  • September: 14.8°C
  • October: 18.2°C
  • November: 22.3°C
  • December: 24.8°C

Marine Life in Mar del Plata

Home to 33 recorded species including 19 reef fish, 7 sharks & rays, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 other, 1 crabs & lobsters, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Recommended Packing List for Mar del Plata

Based on average water temperature of 19.1°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Mar del Plata

  • Golfo San José - Tourist Nature Reserve (IUCN Category II)
  • Punta Bermeja - Protected Nature Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Caleta de los Loros - Multiple Use Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Bahía Laura - Intangible Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ría de Puerto Deseado - Intangible Nature Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Cabo Blanco - Intangible Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Punta Tombo - Tourist Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Punta León - Tourist Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Complejo Islote Lobos - Scientific Nature Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Punta del Marqués - Tourist and Scientific Research Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Mar Chiquita - Multiple Use Nature Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Bahía de San Antonio - Protected Landscape (IUCN Category V)
  • Parque Atlántico Mar Chiquito - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Península Valdés - World Heritage Site (natural or mixed) (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Isla Leones - Limited Use Area Under Special Protection (IUCN Category VI)
  • Isla Pinguinos - Provincial Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Arroyo Zabala - Multiple Use Nature Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Bahía Blanca, Bahía Falsa y Bahía Verde - Multiple Use Nature Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Bahia San Blas - Multiple Use Nature Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Puerto Lobos - Protected Landscape (IUCN Category V)
  • Barco Hundido - Provincial Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Humedal Caleta Olivia - Provincial Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Isla Cormorán y Banco de Justicia - Limited Use Area Under Special Protection (IUCN Category VI)
  • Bahía San Julián - Limited Use Area Under Special Protection (IUCN Category V)
  • Playa Larga - Nature and Cultural Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Pehuen Co-Monte Hermoso - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Patagonia Austral - Interjurisdictional Coastal Marine Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Isla Pingüino - Interjurisdictional Marine Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Makenke - Interjurisdictional Marine Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Restinga del Faro - Provincial Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Caleta Olivia - Provincial Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Valdés - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Patagonia Azul - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Namuncurá - Banco Burdwood II - Marine Strict Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Namuncurá - Banco Burdwood II - Marine National Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Yaganes - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Yaganes - Marine Strict Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Yaganes - Marine National Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Namuncurá - Banco Burdwood I - Marine National Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Namuncurá - Banco Burdwood I - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Islote Lobos - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Isla de los Pájaros - Natural Tourist Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Punta Delgada - Natural Tourist Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Punta Norte - Natural Tourist Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Punta Pirámides - Natural Tourist Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Mar del Plata - Nearest Airports

  • Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), Buenos Aires - 26 km away, approx 44 min travel time
  • Ezeiza International Airport - Ministro Pistarini (EZE), Buenos Aires (Ezeiza) - 51 km away, approx 70 min travel time
  • Carrasco General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport (MVD), Ciudad de la Costa - 196 km away, approx 229 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water temperatures and visibility like for diving in Mar del Plata?
For optimal conditions in Mar del Plata, divers can expect water temperatures around 26.66°C in Month 1, 25.78°C in Month 2, and 24.83°C in Month 12. Information regarding typical visibility for diving in this sub-region is not available in the current data.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in Mar del Plata?
Divers exploring Mar del Plata can anticipate encountering vibrant temperate reef ecosystems and impressive sea lion colonies. For a more comprehensive list of potential marine life, we recommend consulting the DivePlnr wildlife database.
What are considered the best dive sites in Mar del Plata for scuba diving?
With 445 dive sites available in Mar del Plata, popular options for scuba diving include numerous wreck sites like the OBERA, SUZI, and A.Y.P.H.R. NO.5. Other notable wreck dives are Casco NN, Galufa, and SANTA MARIA MAGDALENA, all offering intermediate challenges.
Is Mar del Plata suitable for beginner divers, or is it more for experienced divers?
Based on the available data, the listed dive sites in Mar del Plata, such as OBERA and SUZI, are categorized as 'intermediate' difficulty. This suggests that the area is generally more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners, though specific site conditions can vary.
How can I get to Mar del Plata for a diving trip?
Mar del Plata is known as Buenos Aires divers' most accessible ocean diving destination. While specific travel instructions are not detailed in the current data, its proximity to Buenos Aires suggests various transportation options are likely available for your diving trip.
When is the best time of year to go diving in Mar del Plata for optimal conditions?
For optimal water temperatures when diving in Mar del Plata, the best time of year would be during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 12. During these months, you can expect pleasant temperatures averaging around 26.66°C, 25.78°C, and 24.83°C respectively.
Are there any strong currents or particular challenges divers should be aware of in Mar del Plata?
While the dive sites in Mar del Plata are generally categorized as 'intermediate' difficulty, specific information regarding strong currents or other particular challenges is not detailed in the provided data. It's always advisable to consult with local dive centres for real-time conditions before your dive.
What unique underwater features or environments, like shipwrecks or reefs, can be explored in Mar del Plata?
Mar del Plata is renowned for its extensive wreck diving opportunities, with 445 dive sites including popular wrecks like OBERA, SUZI, and ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE. Beyond the fascinating shipwrecks, divers can also explore vibrant temperate reef ecosystems and observe captivating sea lion colonies.