MATADOR - Mar del Plata

The Matador, an old tug, rests in just 11 metres of water off Mar del Plata. We love it because it’s a proper piece of history, sunk in ’75 after a tow rope snapped while assisting a tanker, a tragic accident claiming four lives. You feel that weight when you descend; it’s a sombre site. It’s completely colonised now, a fantastic artificial reef. We always see conger eels poking out from every crevice, sometimes a bit shy, sometimes bold enough to really check you out. The prop is still there, impressive and green with growth, and we often find good-sized hake sheltering around the stern. Visibility can be a bit challenging, typical for the area, but when it’s good, the natural light filtering through the slight murk gives the whole wreck an atmospheric glow. Our favourite part is navigating the small wheelhouse, a tight squeeze but incredibly rewarding, especially if you catch a few wrasse darting through the portholes. It’s a dive for those who appreciate wrecks with a story, and who don’t mind a bit of a hunt for the marine residents.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.633335, -58.350000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

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 MATADOR

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 MATADOR

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