BORRASCA - Mar del Plata

The Borrasca wreck, just off Mar del Plata, is a fantastic dive if you're into history and don't mind a shallower profile. We love how accessible it is, sitting at a comfortable 6 meters, making it perfect for newer wreck divers or anyone wanting a relaxed second dive. This old fishing vessel, a 36.6-meter steel hulk, has been down there long enough to feel like a proper artificial reef. What you'll find here is a genuine sense of exploration. We often spend our time poking around the superstructure, imagining the trawler's working life. Schools of silversides dart in and out of the openings where the wheelhouse once was, and the old winches are now encrusted with mussels and anemones. Look closely, and you'll spot blennies tucked into crevices and juvenile crabs scuttling across the deck plates. The visibility can be a bit variable, but on a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering through the green water, the wreck truly comes alive. We'd suggest going in the morning before any wind picks up; it usually makes for a calmer experience. It's not a dive for big pelagics, but for an intimate look at a working vessel transformed into a bustling micro-habitat, it’s our favourite Mar del Plata wreck.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.541016, -58.428032
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - BORRASCA

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

The Borrasca is a shallow and intriguing wreck site located off the coast of Mar del Plata, Argentina. This 36-meter fishing vessel now rests at a depth of only 6 meters, making it highly accessible to divers of all skill levels. While the specific details of its sinking are not widely recorded, its name-'Borrasca' is Spanish for squall or storm-may offer a clue to its fate. Its official classification as a 'Dangerous wreck' suggests it may be structurally unstable or have sharp, protruding sections, adding an element of adventure to the dive.

Exploring the Borrasca offers a fantastic opportunity to see how marine life colonizes a wreck in a short amount of time. Divers can navigate the remains of the fishing vessel, spotting the local fauna that has taken up residence within its hull. The shallow depth allows for long bottom times and excellent light penetration on clear days, making it a great subject for underwater photography.

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 BORRASCA

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 BORRASCA

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