CHANTON - Mar del Plata

Chanton sits in Mar del Plata’s often-overlooked harbour, a proper relic from another era. Don’t let the shallow two-meter depth fool you; this isn't a snorkel spot. We’re talking about a genuine shipwreck, a stern-wheeler that went down in 1919 and has been slowly crumbling ever since. It's an exposed site, so you’ll want to pick your day carefully, ideally on a calm morning before the port activity really kicks in. The visibility here can be… *challenging*, let's say, but that's part of the appeal. It’s murky, silty, and feels like a proper archaeological dig. You’re not going to find colourful coral or huge pelagics here. Instead, Chanton offers a rare glimpse into maritime history, with rusty metal plates, twisted beams, and the general skeletal remains of a working ship. We love poking around the propeller and rudder, which are surprisingly intact given the century underwater. It’s home to whatever hardy fish can tolerate the harbour environment: small schooling fish, maybe a crab or two scuttling in the shadows. This is a dive for the wreck enthusiast, the history buff, or anyone who enjoys the thrill of exploring something truly old and a little bit dangerous. It’s a completely unique experience, a world away from your typical reef dive.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.483334, -57.917778
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

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 CHANTON

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 CHANTON

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