AL FIN - Mar del Plata

There’s a reason we keep coming back to Al Fin, even with its tricky reputation. It’s a shallow wreck, just 3 meters deep, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's simple. This isn't some perfectly preserved ghost ship. Instead, you're diving into a jumbled, broken mess of steel that feels genuinely historic, a direct contrast to the modern buzz of Mar del Plata. The wreck is essentially a collection of metal plates and twisted beams, home to an impressive collection of crabs and anemones that cling to every surface. Our favorite part is how the light filters through the disturbed water, giving the whole site a moody, almost sepia tone. You’ll spend most of your time exploring the nooks and crannies where the structure has collapsed, looking for the various small fish that dart between the rusting metal. It’s an intimate dive, more about the texture and the history than grand scale. We'd suggest going on a calm day, because with only 3 meters of depth, any surge really throws up the sediment. This site is perfect for photographers who appreciate character over clarity and anyone who loves a wreck with a story, even if you have to piece it together yourself.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-35.369663, -57.100480
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - AL FIN

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

The story of the "AL FIN" is shrouded in local mystery, a common fate for many smaller vessels that succumb to the sea. Located just off the bustling coast of Mar del Plata, this wreck sits in an incredibly shallow 3 meters of water. Its classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' suggests it may be broken up, with sharp metal hazards close to the surface, making it a hazard for navigation. For divers and snorkelers, it presents an easily accessible but cautious exploration. The extreme shallowness means it's constantly worked by surge and waves, but on a calm day, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a submerged structure that has become a mini-reef for local marine life, all just a stone's throw from the shore.

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 AL FIN

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 AL FIN

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