DON FRANCISCO - Mar del Plata

Don Francisco isn't about deep blue canyons or manta rays, let's get that straight. This is a shallow, historical wreck, and we absolutely love it for what it is: a moody, accessible slice of Mar del Plata's maritime past. At only 6 metres, it’s a site for long bottom times and really soaking in the atmosphere. We’ve spent many an afternoon here, finning slowly over the scattered timbers, imagining the old fishing boat’s final moments. What you'll find here is a genuine old wooden fishing trawler, broken but still largely intact, a testament to the power of the sea. Light filters through the gaps in the hull, illuminating the thick carpets of mussels and anemones that have claimed every surface. Crabs scuttle from under planks, and we’ve often spotted conger eels peeking out from darker corners. It's not a pristine coral reef, it’s a living museum, and our favourite detail is the way the light plays on the wooden structure, making it feel incredibly ancient and alive all at once. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate history and macro life, or those just looking for a relaxed, unique dive.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.716667, -56.884724
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

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 FRANCISCO

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 FRANCISCO

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