Don Américo - Mar del Plata

The Don Américo is shallow, really shallow, and that’s precisely why we love it. Forget deep dives, this is a wreck you can explore from top to bottom, all three metres of it, without ever pushing your no-deco limits. It’s a fishing trawler, sunk deliberately, and now it’s become an artificial reef, a haven for the critters that call Mar del Plata home. You’ll find the deck is completely gone, leaving an open skeleton of ribs and bulkheads. We often see Patagonian blennies peeking from every crevice, their eyes tracking your movements. The whole structure buzzes with life, from shoals of silversides darting through the rusted metal to colourful anemones clinging to the hull. Our favourite spot is the stern, where the prop shaft housing is still intact, usually attracting a few curious crabs. It’s a great site for photographers keen on macro, or anyone who enjoys a leisurely, current-free wreck dive without the pressure of depth. Visibility can be a bit variable here, so we always check the local conditions before heading out, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the wreck’s framework.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.511900, -58.130085
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

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 Don Américo

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 Don Américo

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