JOSEFINA - Mar del Plata

Josefina isn't about deep blue adventures; it’s a living history lesson, right there in the shallows of Mar del Plata. We’re talking a steamship wreck, sitting in just four metres of water, perfect for an extended rummage or even a snorkel. Our favourite thing about Josefina is the sheer accessibility – you don’t need advanced certs or serious gear, just a willingness to explore a proper piece of maritime heritage. The wreck itself is surprisingly intact in places, considering the shallows and the years. You can make out the boiler, sections of the hull, and even some deck plating, all encrusted with mussels and barnacles. It’s a riot of small life down there; we’ve seen blennies peering from crevices, nimble crabs scuttling across the metal, and small shoals of fish darting through the rusted framework. The light penetration is incredible at this depth, painting the wreck in shifting patterns of green and gold, especially on a sunny afternoon. For something different, a night dive here is surprisingly atmospheric – the wreck takes on a ghostly quality, and you’ll spot a whole new cast of critters. It’s an easy, rewarding dive for anyone who loves wrecks but prefers to stay out of the big blue.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.305305, -58.011806
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

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 JOSEFINA

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 JOSEFINA

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