Alfa I Tigra - Mar del Plata

The Alfa I Tigra off Mar del Plata isn't a deep dive, but it's one of our favourite wreck explorations in Argentina for its sheer accessibility and history. At a mere 4 metres, this launch vessel, a casualty of a fierce storm, offers a rare chance to get up close with a genuinely dangerous wreck in comfortable conditions. We love how the shallow depth paints the wreck in natural light, making the rusted hull and twisted metal beam with shades of amber and green. You’ll find surprisingly robust colonies of sea anemones clinging to every surface, swaying gently in the subtle surge. Keep an eye out for small shoals of fish darting in and out of the broken superstructure; we’ve often spotted blennies peeking from crevices, quick to retreat if you get too close. This site is perfect for newer divers looking to experience a wreck without the challenges of depth, or for photographers wanting to play with natural light on a striking subject. Dive it at slack tide for the clearest views and easiest exploration.

Location: Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates: -34.522470, -58.086815
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 4m

Wreck History - Alfa I Tigra

Vessel Type: unknown
Cause: unknown

The identity and history of the "Alfa I Tigra" are shrouded in mystery, typical of many small, local working boats that meet their end in busy harbors. Lying at a mere 4 meters near Mar del Plata, this wreck is accessible to divers of all levels, but its "Dangerous" classification demands respect. The shallow depth means conditions can be affected by surface weather, and visibility can vary. Divers should be cautious of sharp, broken metal and potential entanglement hazards. The site likely consists of the scattered remains of a small launch vessel, now providing a simple but intriguing habitat for local marine life in the port's coastal waters.

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

Nearest Dive Centres to Alfa I Tigra

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

South Atlantic Elephant-seal (Mirounga leonina) - Whales & Dolphins
Bluewing Searobin (Prionotus punctatus) - Reef Fish
Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) - Whales & Dolphins
Porgy (Pagrus pagrus) - Reef Fish
American Elephantfish (Callorhinchus callorynchus)
Bangamary (Macrodon ancylodon) - Reef Fish
Elf (Pomatomus saltatrix) - Reef Fish
Silverside (Odontesthes incisa) - Reef Fish
Filetail Fanskate (Sympterygia lima) - Sharks & Rays
Atlantic Lookdown (Selene vomer) - Reef Fish
Blueback Mullet (Mugil liza) - Reef Fish
Smallnose Fanskate (Sympterygia bonapartii) - Sharks & Rays
Kingfish (Menticirrhus americanus) - Reef Fish
American Harvestfish (Peprilus paru) - Reef Fish
Ronco (Micropogonias furnieri) - Reef Fish
Chilean Angel Shark (Squatina armata) - Sharks & Rays
South-American Silver Porgy (Diplodus argenteus) - Reef Fish
Apron Ray (Discopyge tschudii) - Sharks & Rays
Eyespot skate (Atlantoraja cyclophora) - Sharks & Rays
Moray (Muraena helena) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Alfa I Tigra

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