MAL ABRIGO - Mar del Plata

Mal Abrigo isn't your typical deep wreck dive. It’s a shallow, broken up wreck, sitting in just two metres of water, but that's precisely its charm. We love it because it’s a tangible piece of history you can practically walk through. The wooden ribs of the old fishing boat, which ran aground back in 1968, are mostly exposed now, sculpted by decades of waves and surge. What you experience here is less about exploring intact compartments and more about appreciating the slow decay and the life it now supports. Look closely into the nooks and crannies of the timbers – we’ve often spotted small crabs scuttling amongst the barnacles, and sometimes juvenile fish dart in and out of the skeletal remains. It's a fantastic spot for snorkelers or very shallow freedivers who want to spend time observing the intricate details of a disintegrating wooden vessel. The water can be cool, especially outside of summer, so a good wetsuit is a smart move. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, sunny morning when the light penetrates the water, illuminating the wreck’s ghostly silhouette.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.583332, -58.316666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

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 MAL ABRIGO

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 MAL ABRIGO

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