MADONNA DEL MONTE ALLEGRO - Mar del Plata

Madonna del Monte Allegro isn't your typical wreck dive, and that's precisely why we love it. This isn't about deep exploration; it's a shallow, accessible peek into history right off the coast of Mar del Plata. The wreck sits at a mere three metres, which means you're almost always bathed in sunlight, the water a surprisingly bright emerald green on a good day. What makes it special? It’s the way the ribs of the old freighter break the surface at low tide, a ghostly reminder of its 1957 demise. We’d suggest heading out with a local guide who knows the tides well. You'll spend your dive weaving through the exposed metalwork, a playground for fish. Schools of silversides dart between the barnacle-encrusted hull plates, and we’ve spotted plenty of crabs scuttling amongst the debris. It’s more of a snorkel or free-diving spot really, perfect for working on your breath-hold or introducing newer divers to the charm of a real shipwreck without the pressure of depth. Our favourite part is lingering over the bow section, imagining the waves crashing over it all those decades ago.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.340830, -58.525555
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 MADONNA DEL MONTE ALLEGRO

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 MADONNA DEL MONTE ALLEGRO

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