ALFA II - Mar del Plata

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.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.506668, -58.474167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - ALFA II

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.

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 ALFA 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 ALFA 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