Aldykir II - Mar del Plata

Aldykir II isn't your typical deep wreck; in fact, it’s not deep at all. This is a shipwreck for the snorkeler, the free diver, or even just the curious beachgoer. We love it because it’s right there, practically on the shore at Punta Mogotes, often breaking the surface. What you'll find here is the skeletal remains of an old fishing vessel, scattered over a sandy bottom in barely a meter of water. The hull plates are twisted, barnacle-encrusted metal, forming nooks and crannies that are absolutely buzzing. Our favourite part is watching the small silver fish darting through the rusted ribs, sometimes a tiny crab scuttling out from under a plate. It’s an ideal spot for practicing your breath-holds in calm conditions, or for kids to get a glimpse into the underwater world without needing any gear beyond a mask. Go at low tide for the best visibility; the water often clears up nicely then.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.284000, -58.300000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - Aldykir II

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

The Aldykir II is a shallow mystery off the coast of Mar del Plata. With a depth of only 1 meter, parts of its hull are perpetually exposed to the air, serving as a perch for sea birds. While its story has been lost to time, its name suggests it was likely a local fishing or utility vessel that met an unfortunate end near the shore. Today, it's less of a scuba dive and more of an exciting snorkeling destination. In the calm, clear waters, you can explore the entire structure, which has become a nursery for juvenile fish and a home for invertebrates. It's a testament to the resilience of nature and a perfect spot for an easy-going underwater adventure.

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 Aldykir II

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 Aldykir II

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