CATALINA B - Mar del Plata

The Catalina B isn’t about huge depths or pelagic encounters, but it’s a site we always enjoy for its sheer character. Just six metres down, this old tugboat wreck is remarkably intact, sitting upright on the seabed. You can swim right into the wheelhouse, which is a fantastic experience, particularly for newer wreck divers or those looking to hone their buoyancy in enclosed spaces. We love exploring the stern, where the prop is still visible, often surrounded by schools of small silversides. What truly makes the Catalina B special for us is the way the cold water marine life has embraced it. The wreck itself is a tapestry of anemones and sponges, bursting with colour. Look closely, and you’ll spot nudibranchs, crabs scuttling amongst the growth, and often a grumpy-looking scorpionfish tucked away. It’s a photographer’s delight, especially on a bright day when the natural light filters through, illuminating the internal structures. The visibility here can be temperamental, but when it’s good, the clarity transforms the wreck into something quite magical, almost like diving a forgotten museum piece. Our advice? Go slow. There's always something new to spot if you take your time.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.750000, -56.741665
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

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 CATALINA B

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 CATALINA B

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