1m
    Mar del Plata, Argentina

    Balsa 602

    Best months: Jan–Mar

    Why dive here

    With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - Balsa 602 offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.

    Best timeJan–Mar
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeSperm Whales · 33+ species recorded
    Water10-21°C · warmest January, February, March
    CharacterWreck dive · max 1m

    The Balsa 602 is a site we keep coming back to, not for deep exploration, but for a unique brand of shallow wreck diving right off the Mar del Plata coast. This isn't your typical coral reef dive, obviously. We’re talking a maximum depth of just one meter, maybe a touch more depending on the tide, but don't let that fool you. It’s a historical wreck, the remains of a lighter vessel, and it’s been there long enough to become a proper underwater structure. What we love here is the sheer accessibility and the way it’s colonised by life. You wade in, often with waves breaking gently over your head, and suddenly you’re hovering over rusted metal beams and hull plates. Schools of silversides dart between the wreckage, their scales catching the sunlight that punches right through the shallow water. We’ve spotted crabs scuttling in crevices, and anemones clinging to the darker nooks. It's a fantastic spot for snorkelers or freedivers, too, offering an intimate look at a wreck without any heavy gear. The Balsa 602 is our pick for a quick, interesting dive when you want something different, a real taste of Mar del Plata's underwater history.

    Typical Balsa 602 Dive Profile

    Safety Stop0m1m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    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.

    Today05:1918:0412h 45m daylightGolden hour 17:31

    Balsa 602 Wreck History

    Vessel Type

    barge

    Cause

    unknown

    The Balsa 602 is an unusual and extremely shallow wreck located near the port of Mar del Plata. This former lighter vessel, a type of cargo barge, rests in only one meter of water, making it more of a snorkeling spot than a scuba destination. Its history is obscure, but its classification as a "Dangerous Wreck" highlights its role as a navigational hazard. For those exploring the surface, the Balsa 602 offers a unique opportunity to see the skeletal remains of a working vessel, now encrusted with life and sheltering small marine creatures in the sunlit shallows.

    Nearest Dive Centres to Balsa 602

    Dive shops near Balsa 602

    View all dive centres in Mar del Plata

    Reviews for Balsa 602

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Balsa 602

    Balsa 602 Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Balsa 602, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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)

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Mar del Plata, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Mar del Plata

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Mar del Plata.

    Search stays in Mar del Plata

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near Balsa 602

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Mar del Plata