MARABU - Mar del Plata

We love Mar del Plata for its unexpected dive scene, and Marabu is a perfect example of why. This isn't a deep dive, sitting at a comfortable 6 metres, but it offers a surprisingly intricate wreck experience for the shallows. The Marabu, an old fishing trawler, went down in '97 and has had plenty of time for the ocean to reclaim it. When we’re down there, you can really feel the history of the boat, imagining the crew on deck, now just a skeleton for life. Visibility can be a bit variable here, so we always try to hit it on a calm day, ideally after a few days without strong winds. Our favourite part is navigating through the collapsed wheelhouse and around the stern; there are so many nooks and crannies. You'll find schools of small hake darting in and out, and the structure is completely encrusted with mussels and anemones. It's an excellent site for photographers wanting to practice ambient light wreck shots, or for newer wreck divers looking to get comfortable without the pressure of depth. Just keep an eye on the surge; it can pick up a bit if the swell is running.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.766235, -56.716137
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 MARABU

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 MARABU

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