3m
    Mar del Plata, Argentina

    MALDONADO

    Best months: Jan–Mar

    Why dive here

    With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - MALDONADO offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.

    Best timeJan–Mar
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeSperm Whales · 33+ species recorded
    Water10-21°C · warmest January, February, March
    CharacterWreck dive · max 3m

    Maldonado is a special kind of wreck dive, particularly for those of us who appreciate a good story and accessible history. At a mere 3 metres deep, it’s not about pushing limits, but about soaking in the atmosphere. We love how the hull, a former fishing trawler, lies broken on the seabed, its skeletal remains creating a playground for light and shadow. You can easily spend an hour finning around the scattered sections, peering into what’s left of the engine room, or imagining the deck where nets were once hauled. The real stars here aren't big pelagics, but the smaller, often overlooked creatures that have claimed this artificial reef. Think playful schools of silversides darting through the openings, or the way barnacles encrust every surface, providing miniature habitats for crabs and tiny gobies. We’ve even spotted juvenile hake nestled amongst the twisted metal. It’s an incredible spot for underwater photography, especially with the sun filtering down through the shallow water. Our tip? Go at high tide for the best visibility, which can vary, but generally offers decent light penetration. It’s a site that proves you don't need depth to have a genuinely captivating dive.

    Typical MALDONADO Dive Profile

    Safety Stop0m3m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Cold water this month (avg 14°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

    Today05:1918:0412h 45m daylightGolden hour 17:30

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MALDONADO

    MALDONADO Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for MALDONADO, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    14°C

    56°F · Range: 11.1–16.9°C

    Current Speed

    2.83 cm/s

    Direction: SE (135°)

    Salinity

    0 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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