A.V.H.R. NO.5 - Mar del Plata

The A.V.H.R. NO.5, just off Mar del Plata, is a solid wreck dive. It’s not the deepest site, sitting at a comfortable 15 meters, making it accessible for newer wreck divers while still offering plenty to poke around. We love how the wreck, a fishing trawler sunk back in the 1950s, has become a home for so much local life. You'll find yourself finning through schools of silversides, darting in and out of the rusted superstructure, and we’ve often spotted conger eels tucked into the darker corners. Entry can be a bit choppy depending on the day, so check the swell before you head out. Once you descend, the visibility usually settles, revealing the full outline of the trawler. Our favourite part is exploring the engine room area, where the light filters in beautifully, illuminating the resident crabs scuttling over the gauges. It’s a proper hands-on wreck, allowing for some nice penetration into the larger sections, though always proceed with caution and good buoyancy. This site is perfect for those who appreciate the history of a wreck as much as the life it now supports.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-33.931583, -59.017400
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Wreck History - A.V.H.R. NO.5

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

Resting at a shallow depth of just 15 meters, the wreck known as A.V.H.R. NO.5 is an accessible and intriguing dive site off the coast of Mar del Plata. While its specific history and the cause of its sinking have been lost to time, its name suggests it may have been a numbered utility vessel or barge involved in local maritime operations. Today, its remaining hull and superstructure provide a fantastic playground for divers of all levels.

The shallow depth allows for long bottom times and excellent light penetration on clear days, illuminating the structures that have become a thriving artificial reef. Divers can explore the wreckage, which is home to a variety of local marine life. Its easy accessibility and the presence of visible structure make it a popular checkout dive or a relaxed second dive of the day for those exploring the underwater world of Argentina.

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.V.H.R. NO.5

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.V.H.R. NO.5

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