FRIAS - Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata isn’t exactly on most divers’ radars, but the wreck of the *Frias* offers a genuine piece of history. This old dredger went down in 1898, sitting upright in a shallow 10 metres. It’s definitely a wreck dive, even if it’s more about the historical structure than dramatic swim-throughs. The hull is heavily colonised by mussels and anemones, which in turn attract a surprising number of small crabs and blennies. Visibility here can be a bit variable, but on a good day, the low light filtering through the green water gives the whole site an atmospheric, almost ghostly feel. It’s an interesting dive for those who appreciate maritime history and the way life reclaims what’s lost.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.605556, -58.300556
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

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 FRIAS

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 FRIAS

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