Gavilán
Why dive here
With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - Gavilán offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
The Gavilán, just off Mar del Plata, is a standout for us, a real shallow-water charmer. This isn't your deep, challenging wreck dive. It’s barely 3 metres, which means light pours in, giving the whole site a luminous quality, even on a cloudy day. We love how accessible it is, perfect for extended bottom times and just soaking in the atmosphere. The barge went down in '78 and it’s now thoroughly encrusted, more of a living reef than a steel hulk. You’ll find nudibranchs crawling over every surface, and we’ve spotted schools of silversides darting in and out of the hold, reflecting the sunlight like scattered coins. Look closely among the rust and you'll often see small octopus tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you with mild curiosity. It’s an ideal spot for macro photographers, or anyone who enjoys a relaxed exploration of a wreck that’s truly been reclaimed by the ocean. Our best tip: go on a calm day, the visibility really sings.
Typical Gavilán 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.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Gavilán
Gavilán Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Gavilán, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
14°C
56°F · Range: 11.1–16.9°C
Current Speed
2.83 cm/s
Direction: SE (135°)
Salinity
0 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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