DONA TOMASA - Mar del Plata

Diving Mar del Plata isn't about tropical reefs, it's about history and the surprising life that clings to it. The *Doña Tomasa* is a perfect example. She was a light vessel, sunk quite intentionally we think, to form a breakwater. Now, at a maximum depth of just four metres, she’s a fantastic, easy dive, especially for those new to wreck exploration or anyone just wanting a relaxing hour underwater. What we love about the *Tomasa* is how accessible she is. You can spend ages poking around her hull, peering into the shadows where parts of the superstructure remain. Visibility here usually sits around 5-10 metres, sometimes a bit more after a calm spell. You’ll find plenty of small crabs scuttling amongst the growth, nudibranchs slowly making their way across the metal, and various small fish darting in and out of the crevices. It’s a completely different vibe from a deep wreck; here, sunlight penetrates everywhere, illuminating the rust and the surprising amount of green algae that forms the base of the food chain. It’s not a challenging dive, but it's genuinely rewarding to see how a piece of industrial history becomes a home.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.577778, -58.190000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

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 DONA TOMASA

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 DONA TOMASA

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