BENITO GRONDONA - Mar del Plata

The Benito Grondona wreck isn't about depth, it's about history you can touch. At a maximum of three metres, this is truly a shallow dive, and while it might not be the poster child for Mar del Plata diving, we love its defiant character. This isn't a delicate reef; it's a hulking skeleton of steel, the remains of an old dredger that met its end in a storm way back in 1957. You’re not going to see huge pelagics here, but it’s a brilliant spot for macro life and just pottering around. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs clinging to the rusty beams, their vibrant colours a stark contrast to the muted steel. Juvenile fish dart between the twisted metal, finding shelter in the wreck's many nooks. We often see small schools of Patagonian pejerrey glimmering above the deck plates, and if you’re patient, you might spot an octopus tucked away in a shadowed crevice. It’s an easy dive, perfect for photographers wanting to practice their wreck composition, or for anyone who enjoys a gentle exploration of a piece of maritime history. Conditions can vary, but generally, when the ocean is calm, visibility can reach 8-10 metres, giving you a decent view of its entire structure. Our favourite time to dive it is on a sunny morning; the light filtering through the water and bouncing off the wreck creates some really dramatic shadows.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.612220, -58.263332
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - BENITO GRONDONA

Year Sunk
1986
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
storm

The Benito Grondona was a hard-working fishing vessel, a familiar part of the bustling fleet based in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Its life at sea was cut short on September 3, 1986, when it was caught in the infamous and ferocious "Santa Rosa" storm. Battered by immense waves and powerful winds, the crew lost their battle with the elements, and the ship was driven hard aground against the city's southern breakwater.

Resting in just 3 meters of water, the wreck is less of a scuba dive and more of a coastal landmark and a snorkeler's playground. For decades, the relentless surf has pounded the vessel, breaking it apart and scattering its remains. The skeletal structure of the hull, often visible breaking the surface, serves as a stark and powerful reminder of the ocean's unforgiving nature. For those exploring the shallows, it offers a unique opportunity to swim through the bones of a ship without the need for full dive gear, observing how marine life quickly colonizes such structures.

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 BENITO GRONDONA

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 BENITO GRONDONA

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