ALFA II
Why dive here
With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - ALFA II offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
Mar del Plata isn’t exactly a tropical mecca, but ALFA II gives us a solid reason to dive here. This isn't a deep dive, barely a metre at high tide, but it’s a fascinating historical wreck. The ALFA II was a launch vessel that sank sometime in the mid-20th century, and what's left is now a tangled, barnacle-encrusted metal skeleton. We love how accessible it is; even snorkelers can get a good look. The wreck has really become an artificial reef, teeming with small fish and crabs. We've seen pipefish hiding in the nooks and crannies of the corroded hull, and the occasional cuttlefish scooting along the sandy bottom nearby. Visibility can be a bit variable, especially after strong winds, but on a calm day, the sunlight filters through the shallow water, illuminating the rust-coloured metal and the green algae clinging to it. Our favourite part is the way the wreck shifts slightly with the waves, a gentle reminder of its watery grave. It’s perfect for a leisurely swim-through, offering a unique perspective on Mar del Plata's maritime history. Just keep an eye on the tide; it’s practically on the beach at low water.
Typical ALFA II Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 14°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
ALFA II Wreck History
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown
Resting in just one meter of water, the "ALFA II" is less of a scuba dive and more of a snorkeling site or a navigational hazard. Like its nearby counterpart, the "Alfa I Tigra," this was a small launch vessel lost near the port of Mar del Plata. Its history is unrecorded, but its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" is a clear warning. The wreckage is likely broken and sharp, sitting just below the surface, posing a risk to boat traffic. For the curious snorkeler, it offers a unique, albeit cautious, opportunity to explore a wreck without the need for dive gear, observing how even the smallest of wrecks can become a foothold for marine organisms in a busy harbor.
Nearest Dive Centres to ALFA II
Dive shops near ALFA II
IN ACQUA BUCEO
CEB Escuela de Buceo
Baires Buceo
OKI-PIOKI DIVERS
Aquabaires Buceo
Diving Center - Centro Integral de Buceo
Reviews for ALFA II
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ALFA II
ALFA II Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ALFA II, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
14°C
56°F · Range: 11.1–16.9°C
Current Speed
2.83 cm/s
Direction: SE (135°)
Salinity
0 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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