wreck

Log This Dive

Maria Parera

The Maria Parera wreck, lying just a few metres off the coast of Mar del Plata, is a surprisingly good shore dive, especially if you’re into history. We love that you can literally walk in and explore this old fishing trawler, which ran aground back in 1962. It's an ideal spot for an easy afternoon dip when the ocean is calm, though we’d always suggest checking local conditions before heading out – a calm day makes all the difference here. The wreck sits in about two metres of water, making it perfect for snorkelers or new divers getting used to the chillier Atlantic. You can fin right over the top, seeing the hull and what's left of the superstructure. It’s not about big pelagics here; think more about the smaller creatures that have made the wreck their home. We often spot small crabs scuttling amongst the metal, blennies peeking out of crevices, and sometimes a few schools of silversides flickering around the shadowy parts of the hull. It really feels like diving through a piece of local history, with the city skyline a clear backdrop. Our favourite time to go is late afternoon, as the light softens and fewer people are on the beach.