BASILEA

Best months: Jan–Mar

Why dive here

With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - BASILEA 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 2m

Okay, so Basilea. Mar del Plata isn't exactly a global dive hotspot, but this site has a certain gritty charm. We’re talking about a wreck, a fishing trawler, that ran aground right on the city beach back in the 1950s. It’s shallow, like, two meters shallow at high tide, so more of a snorkel and free-dive spot, really. You can still make out the bow and stern sections, even the wheelhouse frame, though it’s pretty broken up now. The real draw here isn’t the structure itself, which is decaying fast, but how it's become a little artificial reef. Shoals of silversides shimmer through the gaps, and we’ve seen crabs scuttling amongst the rusted plates. It's really cool to see how nature reclaims things, and this wreck is a prime example. For us, it’s a brilliant afternoon activity if you're already in Mar del Plata and fancy something a bit different than just lounging on the sand. Just keep an eye on the tide; at low tide, it's barely submerged.

Typical BASILEA 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.

Today05:2418:0812h 44m daylightGolden hour 17:35

BASILEA Wreck History

Vessel Type

unknown

Cause

unknown

The history of the Basilea is shrouded in mystery, its identity and the story of its sinking lost to time. Located in the shallow waters of Mar del Plata, this wreck lies at a mere 2 meters, making it accessible but also a potential hazard to navigation, earning it a "dangerous wreck" classification. For divers, the Basilea offers a unique shallow-water exploration. While details of its past are scarce, the wreckage provides a fascinating habitat for local marine life, and its enigmatic nature adds a sense of discovery to any dive. Exploring its remains invites speculation about its final, dramatic moments so close to shore.

Reviews for BASILEA

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BASILEA

BASILEA Ocean Conditions

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