LAVALLE I - Mar del Plata

Okay, Mar del Plata isn't exactly the Maldives, but Lavalle I offers something entirely different, and we love it for that. This isn't a deep dive, or even really a dive at all in the traditional sense, given it’s a mere meter deep at most. But it's an incredible experience for those who appreciate history and close-up marine observation. The wreck of the Lavalle I, a former fishing vessel, is literally at the surface, parts of its rusted hull breaking the water. You can actually snorkel it, or if you're feeling adventurous, just wade around with a mask and snorkel. We'd suggest going at high tide for the best perspective, when the structure feels more submerged. Schools of silversides shimmer around the decaying metal, darting in and out of the small openings. You'll spot crabs scuttling over the barnacle-covered plates and anemones clinging to the shadowed recesses. It's a fantastic spot for macro photography, letting you get incredibly close to the smaller inhabitants. We think it’s our favourite Mar del Plata site for a truly unique perspective on a wreck and the resilient life that claims it.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-36.266666, -57.083332
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

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 LAVALLE I

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 LAVALLE I

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