Elegante - Mar del Plata

Elegante, just offshore from Mar del Plata, is a shallow dive that always surprises us. This isn't a deep, dramatic wreck, but its story and accessibility make it a standout. The Elegante was a fishing boat, lost in a storm decades ago, and now she sits upright at just five metres, almost intact. We love finning slowly over her deck, imagining the last moments before she went down. The wheelhouse is still there, eerily empty, and you can peer into the holds where fish were once stored. What makes it special is the sheer volume of life that has moved in. Shoals of silversides shimmer through the deck openings, and we often spot cuttlefish tucked into crevices. Keep an eye out for the colourful nudibranchs grazing on the metal hull, they’re some of our favourite finds here. It’s an ideal spot for a long, relaxed dive, perfect for photographers or anyone wanting to spend time exploring without worrying about depth or deco. The visibility can vary, as with most coastal dives, but on a good day, the sunlight penetrates right to the wreck, illuminating every detail. We’d suggest going on a calm morning; the sea state makes a big difference to the experience.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.056877, -59.035164
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

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 Elegante

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 Elegante

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