Petromar - Mar del Plata

The Petromar wreck, just off Mar del Plata, is a solid favourite of ours, especially if you appreciate a bit of history with your dive. She was the Esso Belgium, a steamship that went down in 1961 after a dramatic collision with the MV Pennsylvania in thick fog. You can almost feel that cold, dense air imagining it. Lying at a comfortable 15 metres, it’s a great depth for extending your bottom time and really soaking it all in. What we love about the Petromar is how approachable it is. The wreck is still quite intact in places, with plenty of hull structure to explore. You’ll find schools of hake and groupers hanging out in the darker sections, and the metal itself is covered in vibrant anemones and sponges. Visibility can be a bit variable here, so we always check the local reports before heading out. Our best dives have been on calm, sunny mornings when the light really penetrates, making the whole site glow with greens and browns. It’s a captivating dive for anyone with a bit of wreck experience, perfect for those who enjoy exploring the nooks and crannies of a tangible piece of maritime history.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-33.802500, -59.244915
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

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 Petromar

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 Petromar

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