MONTIEL - Mar del Plata

Montiel isn't deep, but it’s packed with character. This old fishing trawler, sunk deliberately, rests in just five metres of water. We love the way sunlight filters down, illuminating the deck and creating dramatic shadows. It’s perfect for those calm days when the swell is low. What you see here is a thriving artificial reef. Schools of silversides shimmer around the mast, and rockfish peek out from every crevice. We’ve spotted octopus tucked into the old engine room, and sometimes a grumpy king crab scuttles across the sand nearby. You can swim right over the deck, peer into the holds, and even get a good look at the propeller. For photographers, the ambient light and clear structure make for some striking wide-angle shots. It's an easy dive, but don't mistake "easy" for "boring." Montiel proves that you don't need depth for a memorable dive. We'd suggest going early morning to beat any crowds and catch the best light.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.390000, -58.538334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

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 MONTIEL

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 MONTIEL

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