BATITU - Mar del Plata

Batitu isn't about tropical fish or pristine reefs. It's about history, cold water, and the unique life that thrives in unexpected places. This shallow wreck, just 6m deep, is one of our favourites in Mar del Plata for a quick, rewarding dive. We love that you can see parts of the mast still standing proud, even after all these years. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the incredible visibility on a good day, allowing the light to play on the rusted metal. The wreck's structure is home to an impressive collection of creatures; think spider crabs creeping through crevices and anemones waving from every surface. Look closely, and you’ll spot small schooling fish darting in and out of the skeletal remains of the ship. It’s an ideal site for macro photography, or for newer divers getting their first taste of wreck diving without the usual depth challenges. We’d suggest a thick hood and gloves, even in summer, as the water can be bracing, but the experience of exploring this piece of local history is absolutely worth it.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.722220, -57.722220
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - BATITU

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

The history of the Batitu is shrouded in mystery, its story lost to the waves off Mar del Plata, Argentina. What is known is that it now provides one of the most accessible and intriguing wreck dives in the area. Lying in just 6 meters of water, the wreck is shallow enough for novice divers, freedivers, and even snorkelers to explore. The most dramatic feature of the site is its mast, which breaks the surface, serving as a constant marker and a ghostly reminder of the vessel below. Exploring the Batitu is a fantastic experience, offering easy access to the excitement of wreck diving without the need for deep or technical certification.

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 BATITU

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 BATITU

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