Deseado - Mar del Plata

Diving the *Deseado* is less about depth and more about history. This isn't a deep blue adventure, it’s a shallow, often surge-y exploration of a vessel with a story. At just 5 meters, it’s perfect for those calm days when you want a relaxed dive, though we’d suggest checking conditions beforehand – Mar del Plata can get a bit lumpy. The wreck itself is scattered, broken up by decades of storms, but that just adds to its character. You’ll weave through twisted metal, big boilers, and the remains of its engine, which are now completely encrusted. We love how the kelp sways with the surge, creating these dramatic silhouettes against the light. Look closely and you’ll find plenty of life: nudibranchs clinging to the metal, little schools of silversides darting in and out, and often small crabs tucked into crevices. It's a snapshot of how nature reclaims things, and we think that's pretty special.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.614433, -58.154232
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

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 Deseado

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 Deseado

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