Bye Bye - Mar del Plata

Let's be upfront, Bye Bye isn't a deep dive. At a maximum depth of 1 meter, it’s more of a snorkel or freedive, but don't let the shallows fool you. This is the bow section of a fishing trawler, and its story is etched into every barnacle-covered plate. We love how accessible it is, sitting right off the coast near Mar del Plata, practically begging you to explore its sun-dappled remains. What you'll find here is a true intertidal wreck, a skeletal structure that transforms with the tides. When the water's low, parts of the wreck actually breach the surface, a stark reminder of its past. When the tide comes in, the entire bow submerges, becoming a surprisingly vibrant, albeit shallow, ecosystem. We've seen schools of juvenile fish darting through the rusted ribs, small crabs scuttling across the growth, and even the occasional pipefish weaving through the kelp that clings to the metal. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers looking for unique light and composition, or for new divers and snorkelers getting comfortable with a wreck environment without the pressure of depth. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, sunny morning, when the light penetrates right to the bottom, illuminating the wreck and its resident critters. Just watch out for boat traffic if you're venturing out unguided.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.510334, -58.471333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - Bye Bye

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

The history of the wreck known only as 'Bye Bye' is as mysterious as its name is evocative. Located in the bustling port city of Mar del Plata, Argentina, its origins, type, and the story of its sinking are lost to time. What is known is that it rests in extremely shallow water, with portions of its hull and superstructure breaking the surface at low tide. This high visibility makes it a well-known local landmark for mariners and beachgoers.

With a maximum depth of just one meter, the 'Bye Bye' is less of a scuba dive and more of an exploration site for snorkelers and curious swimmers. It provides a unique opportunity to interact with a wreck without any specialized equipment. The submerged sections act as a mini-reef, attracting schools of small fish and invertebrates that seek shelter in its structure. It's a perfect spot for families and those new to underwater exploration to witness firsthand how the sea reclaims and repurposes man-made objects.

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 Bye Bye

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 Bye Bye

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