ONA DELTA - Mar del Plata

ONA DELTA is one of those sites that just feels… different. It’s a shallow wreck, only 4 metres deep, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's boring. We love the sheer character of the place. The ONA DELTA, a fishing vessel, ran aground back in 1961, and what’s left of her is now a tangled, rusted skeleton draped in kelp and alive with small fish. You’re not getting vast schools here, but rather a constant parade of individual characters – blennies poking out of crevices, small crabs scuttling over plates of rust, and the occasional cuttlefish lurking in the shadows. Our favourite thing to do is just drift slowly over the remains, watching the light play through the kelp forest that has grown up around the stern. It's surprisingly atmospheric, especially on a calm day when the visibility stretches out. We'd suggest going early in the morning before the wind picks up; it really helps with the visibility and the overall serenity. This site is perfect for photographers who appreciate the details and for divers who enjoy a bit of history mixed with their marine life, all without the need for deep technical skills. Just be mindful of the exposed metal; it’s an old wreck, so watch your buoyancy and keep a respectful distance from anything that looks like it might snag a hose.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.648850, -58.280117
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

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 ONA DELTA

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 ONA DELTA

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