Austral - Mar del Plata

Alright, let's talk about the *Austral*, just off Mar del Plata. It’s a shallow wreck, only down at four metres, making it an absolute treat for a relaxed second dive or when you just want to extend your bottom time without the decompression stress. We love it because it’s a proper sailing vessel, not some modern hulking metal box. You get a real sense of history here, the timbers still holding their shape, barnacle-encrusted and slowly giving way to the sea. What you'll experience is a slow, easy exploration. The bow points out, often with a gentle current running past it, and we've spent many an hour just finning around the mast structure and what's left of the deck. Despite its shallowness, it’s home to more than you’d expect. Look closely among the nooks and crannies for small blennies peeking out, and we’ve often seen schools of silversides shimmering above the deck, almost like a living cloud. Our favourite time to dive the *Austral* is on a calm, sunny morning; the light filtering through the water onto the wreck is just something else. It really highlights the textures of the wood and the resident marine life. It suits anyone looking for an unhurried dive, whether you're a newer diver getting comfortable with wrecks or an experienced one who appreciates the charm of a historical site without the depth. Just be mindful of fishing lines; it’s a popular spot.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-35.001980, -57.101875
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Wreck History - Austral

Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
unknown

The wreck of the sailing vessel Austral is a mysterious and highly accessible site located off the coast of Mar del Plata, Argentina. Very little is known about the vessel's history or the events that led to its demise. What is known is that it rests in an incredibly shallow 4 meters of water, making it a potential site for not only novice divers but also snorkelers on a calm day. Its classification as a 'dangerous wreck' suggests it is broken up and poses a hazard to surface vessels, a common fate for shallow wrecks in busy coastal areas. Divers can explore the scattered remains, enjoying a simple but intriguing dive while pondering the forgotten story of the Austral.

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 Austral

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 Austral

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