ANNUNZIATA PRIMERA - Mar del Plata

The Annunziata Primera off Mar del Plata is a quirky dive, and we love it for its sheer accessibility and sense of history. It sits in just 5 metres of water, so it's a great spot for an easy afternoon dive or even a snorkel if the conditions are right. We've found the wreck itself, a fairly intact fishing boat, is surprisingly photogenic with the sun streaming through the shallow water. You’ll weave around sections of the hull and superstructure, which are now completely encrusted with barnacles and mussels. Look closely, and you’ll spot small crabs scuttling over the rusting metal and maybe a few juvenile fish hiding in the shadows. The real charm here is how time has reclaimed it, and the wreck offers a tangible link to Mar del Plata’s fishing heritage. It’s perfect for new divers getting comfortable with wreck penetration, or for anyone wanting a relaxed, rewarding dive without the depth. Just watch out for strong surge on choppy days; it can make things a bit bouncy down there.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.608334, -58.141666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - ANNUNZIATA PRIMERA

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

Lying in the incredibly shallow depth of just 5 meters, the Annunziata Primera is one of Mar del Plata's most accessible underwater sites. Given its location in Argentina's largest fishing port, it's almost certainly the remains of a local fishing vessel that met its end too close to shore, likely during a storm or an unfortunate grounding. Its classification as a 'dangerous wreck' means that while it's a hazard for boats, it offers a fantastic and easy-to-explore structure for divers and even snorkelers on a calm day.

The wreck is heavily broken up due to the constant wave action at this shallow depth, but its scattered remains create a playground for local marine life. Sunlight penetrates easily to the seabed, illuminating the scene and promoting marine growth on every surface. Divers can spend an entire dive exploring the wreckage, searching for crabs, small fish, and other creatures that have made this vessel their home. It's a perfect introduction to wreck diving and an excellent spot for a relaxed afternoon exploring Argentina's underwater world.

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 ANNUNZIATA PRIMERA

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 ANNUNZIATA PRIMERA

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