ALDOSIVI - Mar del Plata

The Aldosivi wreck is a quirky spot, a dredger that capsized right in the harbour entrance, making for an unexpectedly engaging shallow dive. It’s barely two metres deep at high tide, so you're practically snorkelling over history, but it's a solid choice for a second dive or if you're keen on something different. We love how accessible it is, literally a stone's throw from shore, and the visibility can actually be quite decent on a calm day. You'll see the upturned hull and superstructure just below the surface, a dark outline against the grey-green water. What makes it special for us is the way the local life has completely taken over: barnacles encrust every surface, mussels cluster in thick beds, and crabs scuttle in the shadows. Look closely and you’ll find small blennies peeking out from crevices. It’s not about huge pelagics here; it's about the intricate ecosystem thriving on this man-made structure. We'd suggest going at slack tide for the best conditions, as the currents near the harbour mouth can pick up. It's ideal for macro enthusiasts or anyone looking for a relaxed, unique dive that doesn't demand much depth.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.605550, -58.344723
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ALDOSIVI

Vessel Type
dredger vessel
Cause
unknown

Resting in the shallows of Mar del Plata, the dredger ALDOSIVI is one of the most accessible wrecks in the region. Lying at a mere 2 meters, its superstructure breaks the surface, making it a landmark for local boaters and a fantastic site for snorkelers and novice divers. The vessel's history and the cause of its sinking are not well-documented, but its name resonates with locals, sharing it with the city's beloved football club.

For divers, the ALDOSIVI offers a relaxed and rewarding experience. The shallow depth allows for long bottom times and excellent light penetration on sunny days, perfect for underwater photography. The wreckage has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, providing shelter for schools of small fish, crabs, and other coastal marine life. It's an ideal location for a first wreck dive or a checkout dive, offering a glimpse into how the ocean quickly reclaims man-made structures.

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 ALDOSIVI

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 ALDOSIVI

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