Astarsa 23 - Mar del Plata

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.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.595917, -58.321850
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - Astarsa 23

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.

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 Astarsa 23

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 Astarsa 23

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