City of Gulfport - Mar del Plata

The City of Gulfport, sitting at a shallow 8 meters, is a proper standout for wreck lovers, especially those newer to wreck diving. This isn't some deep, dark behemoth. It's an accessible, almost intimate wreck. We love how the relatively shallow depth means you get good light penetration on most days, really bringing out the textures of the encrusted metal. The ship met its end after a fire near Puerto de la Plata, and you can still feel that history as you glide over the deck plates. There's a real sense of a vessel frozen in time, not a pristine museum piece, but a working ship that simply stopped. Entry can be a bit tricky depending on the swell, so we always suggest checking conditions with a local operator first. Even without a species list, we've spotted plenty of blennies peeking from crevices, and the nooks and crannies of the superstructure are often home to small crabs. The way the light plays through the skeletal remains of the hull, illuminating patches of anemones, is our favourite part. It’s not about big pelagics here; it's about the quiet exploration of a piece of history reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.807230, -57.826500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

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 City of Gulfport

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 City of Gulfport

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