Astarsa 23
Why dive here
With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - Astarsa 23 offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
Astarsa 23 in Mar del Plata isn't a deep dive, not even close. At a maximum of 2 metres, it’s more of a snorkel, but don’t let that fool you. This is a genuinely compelling wreck, a fishing vessel that ran aground and offers a surprisingly intimate look at how nature reclaims things. We love dropping in here on a calm day; the visibility can stretch to 5 or 6 metres, letting you really appreciate the scale of it. You're essentially exploring the hull of a large trawler, now home to a fascinating mix of barnacles and anemones. The sunlit shallows catch the glint of small schooling fish darting in and out of the rusted metalwork. It feels more like an archaeological site than a typical dive, a quiet, almost melancholic encounter with maritime history. We’d suggest going at high tide for the best perspective, it softens the edges a bit. It’s a site for those who appreciate the subtle beauty of a wreck, not the flash of a coral garden.
Typical Astarsa 23 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.
Astarsa 23 Wreck History
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown
Lying in the exceptionally shallow water of just 2 meters, the Astarsa 23 is more of a coastal feature than a traditional wreck dive. Located near Mar del Plata, a major fishing and resort hub in Argentina, this wreck is likely a former fishing trawler or small local vessel that met its end close to shore. Its history is not well-documented, but its location and classification as a 'dangerous wreck' suggest it is heavily broken up, with jagged metal posing a hazard to swimmers and boats.
For divers and snorkelers, the Astarsa 23 offers a unique and highly accessible underwater experience. The shallow, sunlit depth means no special certification is required, and the site is perfect for a long, relaxed exploration. The wreckage, though fragmented, has become a thriving nursery for juvenile fish and a home for crabs, anemones, and other invertebrates. It serves as an excellent site for underwater macro photography and for novice divers to practice their skills in a real-world wreck environment, provided they exercise caution around the structure.
Nearest Dive Centres to Astarsa 23
Dive shops near Astarsa 23
Argentina YMCA
CENTRO BUCEO SUR
La Casa del Buceador
Mermaid Paradise and Freediving
BUCEO YAMANA
Sea Divers
Reviews for Astarsa 23
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Astarsa 23
Astarsa 23 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Astarsa 23, 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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