NATA GAUCHA - Mar del Plata

Nata Gaucha, what a name for a wreck, isn't it? This site in Mar del Plata is shallow, just 6 metres deep, which makes it incredibly accessible but also quite vulnerable to surge. We love it for its sheer character, the skeletal remains of what was once a fishing trawler. You won't find colourful corals here, but the metalwork is draped in an impressive variety of anemones and hydroids, swaying gently with the movement of the water. Penetration isn't really an option, it's too broken up and too dangerous, but there's plenty to explore externally. Our favourite part is peeking into the engine room's remains; it’s a dark, silty recess now home to numerous small fish – think blennies and scorpionfish tucked into every crevice. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical for the South Atlantic, so we'd suggest picking a calm day, ideally after a few days of settled weather. When the light hits the wreck just right, it’s beautiful in a stark, industrial way. It's an excellent site for photographers looking for something a bit different, or newer divers wanting a taste of wreck diving without the depth or technical challenges.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.529755, -57.906950
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 NATA GAUCHA

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 NATA GAUCHA

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