El Potro

Best months: Jan–Mar

Why dive here

With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - El Potro offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.

Best timeJan–Mar

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeSperm Whales · 33+ species recorded

Water10-21°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 6m

El Potro, just off Mar del Plata, is one of those wrecks that just hits different. It’s a tug, submerged in 1993 after a storm, and now it sits upright in a mere six metres of water. We love a shallow wreck, especially one with a bit of a story, and El Potro delivers. You get to spend a good long time poking around its superstructure, which is still remarkably intact. The real magic here, for us, is the way the light filters down through the shallows. On a good day, with a bit of sun, you get these fantastic shafts of light illuminating the bridge and the engine room access. It’s a photographer’s dream, really. You’ll find loads of small fish darting in and out of the openings, and the occasional octopus tucked away in a crevice. It’s an easy dive, perfect for extending bottom time, and a real chance to appreciate a piece of maritime history colonised by the sea. Our pick for a relaxed afternoon dive, especially if you’re keen on getting up close with a solid wreck.

Typical El Potro Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Cold water this month (avg 14°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Today05:2218:0612h 44m daylightGolden hour 17:33

Nearest Dive Centres to El Potro

Dive shops near El Potro

Pilar Buceo

47km away

Web

Courses

View all dive centres in Mar del Plata

Reviews for El Potro

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for El Potro

El Potro Ocean Conditions

Monthly averages for El Potro, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)