A.H.V.R NO.4 - Mar del Plata

The A.H.V.R NO.4 wreck in Mar del Plata isn't about deep blue adventures or big pelagics. This is a shallow, almost intimate dive, sitting at just three metres. We’re talking about an old hopper barge, split in two, offering a surprising amount of exploration for such a modest depth. We love dropping onto the stern section first. You can swim right through the cargo hold, tracing the skeletal ribs of the hull. It’s dark inside, a bit silty, but the way the light filters down through the gaps is genuinely beautiful. Keep an eye out for the small stuff; the wreck is covered in these vibrant orange anemones and white nudibranchs, clinging to every rivet. On a sunny day, the whole wreck shimmers with the current. It’s the kind of dive where you can take your time, really absorb the history, and still be back on the boat in under an hour. It’s perfect for new divers getting a feel for wrecks, or anyone who appreciates the quiet drama of a historical site.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.500465, -58.181570
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - A.H.V.R NO.4

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

The identity and history of the A.H.V.R No.4 are largely a mystery, but its presence offers an intriguing and extremely accessible dive just off the coast of Mar del Plata. Lying at a depth of only 3 meters, this wreck is as much a site for snorkelers as it is for scuba divers. The designation 'A.H.V.R No.4' suggests it was a numbered utility vessel, possibly a harbor barge or a piece of naval equipment from the nearby Argentine naval base. Given its 'dangerous wreck' classification and shallow depth, the vessel is likely heavily broken up, scattered by the relentless surge and surf. Divers exploring the site can expect to find twisted metal and sections of hull that have now become an artificial reef, providing shelter for local fish and invertebrates against the backdrop of one of Argentina's most famous port cities.

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 A.H.V.R NO.4

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 A.H.V.R NO.4

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