201 - A - M.O.P.
Why dive here
With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - 201 - A - M.O.P. offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 11-27°C, warmest January, February, December.
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.
Typical 201 - A - M.O.P. Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 12°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
201 - A - M.O.P. Wreck History
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to 201 - A - M.O.P.
Dive shops near 201 - A - M.O.P.
Diving Center - Centro Integral de Buceo
Pilar Buceo
Aquabaires Buceo
CEB Escuela de Buceo
ACUATIKOS
Baires Buceo
Reviews for 201 - A - M.O.P.
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for 201 - A - M.O.P.
201 - A - M.O.P. Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for 201 - A - M.O.P., sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
12.2°C
54°F
Current Speed
5.66 cm/s
Direction: SE (135°)
Salinity
0 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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