Maria Parera - Mar del Plata

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.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-33.894787, -59.239270
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 Maria Parera

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 Maria Parera

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