A.Y.P.H.R. NO.5 - Mar del Plata

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.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-35.950000, -59.000000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

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

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.

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.Y.P.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.Y.P.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