HELIOS - Mar del Plata

Helios, just off the coast of Mar del Plata, is a shallow wreck, only three metres deep, making it a truly accessible dive. This isn't a site for depth hunters, but it’s perfect for those who love history and easy exploration. We love how the wreck’s bones, scattered across the sandy bottom, create a skeletal garden for the local marine life. It’s an old fishing trawler, reportedly sunk by a storm decades ago, and the sea has really claimed it. You’ll spend your time here exploring the broken hull plates and the remnants of the superstructure, now completely encrusted. Look closely and you'll spot crabs scuttling amongst the growth and schools of small silversides darting in and out of the shadows. The light here, even on an overcast day, filters down beautifully, giving the wreck a slightly eerie, almost ghostly feel. Our favourite tip for Helios is to bring a good camera, especially on a sunny morning – the light play over the wreck is fantastic, and the macro opportunities are everywhere. It’s a gentle, relaxing dive, ideal for new divers or anyone wanting a chilled-out hour underwater without battling currents or depth.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.455883, -57.899334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

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 HELIOS

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 HELIOS

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