JOSEPH MANESSE - Mar del Plata

We’ve spent a fair few days diving around Mar del Plata, and the *Joseph Manesse* wreck is one of those sites that just sticks with you. It’s not about huge depths, or massive pelagics, but the sheer accessibility and the sense of history here. This old trawler, sunk back in '74 after a run-in with the *Ushuaia*, now sits upright in a mere 6 meters of water. That shallow depth means you get fantastic light penetration, even on an overcast day, turning the hull into a playground of shadows and bright spots. The real joy of the *Manesse* is how much of it you can explore. We love drifting over the main deck, peeking into the wheelhouse, and imagining the life it once held. Look closely, and you’ll find the entire structure carpeted in anemones and sponges, with schools of silversides darting in and out of every opening. On a good visibility day, you can get a real sense of its scale, with the mast stretching towards the surface. It’s a perfect site for newer divers looking for their first wreck experience, or photographers wanting to capture the moody atmosphere without stressing about bottom time. Our top tip? Go on a weekday morning; you’ll often have the place almost to yourselves.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-35.180000, -56.873333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

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 JOSEPH MANESSE

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 JOSEPH MANESSE

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