201 - A - M.O.P. - Mar del Plata

The 201 - A - M.O.P. wreck in Mar del Plata is a fantastic little dive. We love that it sits so shallow, just 8 metres down, making it perfect for a relaxed extended bottom time. You’re diving on a historical lighter vessel, which gives it a real sense of character – you can almost feel the history of the port around you. What makes it a standout for us isn't just the wreck itself, but how nature has reclaimed it. Barnacles cling to every surface, and the metalwork is draped in an olive-green tapestry of growth. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident crabs scuttling across the deck plates; they’re surprisingly bold. It's a proper hide-and-seek for octopuses too, tucked into crevices. Visibility can be a bit hit-or-miss, so we always suggest checking local conditions before you head out. When it’s good, the natural light filtering down really brings out the textures of the wreck. This site is great for anyone who appreciates the quiet beauty of an artificial reef taking hold, rather than just chasing big pelagics.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.266666, -58.666668
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Wreck History - 201 - A - M.O.P.

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

The wreck designated "201 - A - M.O.P." is a shallow dive site off Mar del Plata, identified as a lighter vessel. A lighter is a type of flat-bottomed barge used for transferring cargo, and the initials "M.O.P." likely stand for Argentina's 'Ministerio de Obras Públicas' (Ministry of Public Works). This suggests the vessel was a utilitarian workhorse, involved in harbor construction or maintenance before it met its end.

Sitting at just 8 meters, the wreck is perfect for an easy recreational dive. Its history as a simple work vessel means divers will find a functional, rather than elegant, structure. The site is classified as a dangerous wreck, so divers should be mindful of sharp metal edges and potential snags. While its final moments are unknown, it now serves a new purpose as a bustling artificial reef, providing shelter for local fish and invertebrates and offering an intriguing glimpse into the area's industrial past.

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Mar del Plata

Nearest Dive Centres to 201 - A - M.O.P.

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for 201 - A - M.O.P.

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