A.Y.P.H.R. NO.5

Best months: Jan–Mar

Why dive here

With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - A.Y.P.H.R. NO.5 offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.

Best timeJan–Mar

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeSperm Whales · 33+ species recorded

Water10-21°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 7m

The A.Y.P.H.R. NO.5 wreck off Mar del Plata is a fantastic little dive, perfect for when you’re looking for something shallow but interesting. It sits at a consistent 7m, making it an ideal choice for newer divers or anyone wanting a longer bottom time. We love the history here; it’s a tangible piece of Mar del Plata's maritime past, and it really feels like you're exploring a sunken museum. When you drop down, the sheer size of the hull is what strikes you first. It's a proper wreck, not just scattered debris, and you can really get a sense of its original form. The bow section is particularly intact and offers some cool swim-throughs – just be mindful of your buoyancy and any loose edges. What makes the A.Y.P.H.R. NO.5 so special for us is the way the marine life has completely taken over. Every surface is coated in anemones and small corals, their tentacles waving in the gentle surge. We’ve seen octopuses tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you curiously, and schools of silversides darting in and out of the darker spaces. It’s a great spot for macro photography too; look closely and you'll find nudibranchs clinging to the hull. Our tip: go on a calm day; the visibility can really make a difference to how much you appreciate its character.

Typical A.Y.P.H.R. NO.5 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 14°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Today05:2018:0712h 47m daylightGolden hour 17:33

A.Y.P.H.R. NO.5 Wreck History

Vessel Type

barge

Cause

unknown

Lying in the extremely shallow waters off Mar del Plata, the A.Y.P.H.R. NO.5 is a wreck that demands respect. At only 7 meters deep, it is classified as a dangerous wreck, likely posing a hazard to navigation and potentially to incautious divers due to sharp, broken metal or structural instability. Its origins are unclear, but like its similarly named counterpart (A.V.H.R. NO.5), it was probably a local workboat or barge.

For divers, this site offers a unique opportunity to explore a wreck with minimal depth, making it suitable for beginners under careful supervision. The sunlight easily reaches the seafloor, creating a bright environment to observe how nature has claimed the man-made structure. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy and be aware of their surroundings to safely navigate the wreckage and appreciate the marine ecosystem that has developed around it.

Reviews for A.Y.P.H.R. NO.5

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for A.Y.P.H.R. NO.5

A.Y.P.H.R. NO.5 Ocean Conditions

Monthly averages for A.Y.P.H.R. NO.5, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)