Fenix Buceo

Mar del Plata, Argentina

The team at Fenix Buceo are some of the most dedicated divers we've met on the Argentine coast. They’re PADI through and through, running a full 5 Star IDC center right there in Mar del Plata. What we really appreciate about them is their commitment to local diving, which, let’s be honest, isn’t always what people think of when they picture South American diving. You'll find them specialising in the often-overlooked joys of temperate water diving – think wrecks and rocky reefs rather than tropical colours. This makes them a great pick for divers who’ve done the Caribbean circuit and want something a bit different, or for those in Argentina looking to get certified and stay local. We particularly love their focus on the dive sites just off the Mar del Plata coast, like the fishing boat wrecks that have become artificial reefs. The vis can vary, sure, but when it’s good, you’re often sharing the space with schools of hake and grouper, maybe even a curious sea lion pup if you’re lucky. Our advice? Go in late spring or early autumn for the best chance of settled conditions and decent visibility before the summer crowds arrive.