PICAFLOR - Mar del Plata

Picaflor, now this is a site. We love a shallow wreck, especially one with a good story, and the Mar del Plata coastline delivers with this old fishing trawler. At a max depth of 4 metres, it’s practically a snorkel, but don't let that fool you into thinking there's nothing to see. The hull is heavily colonised, a chaotic tangle of red and brown algae, and you’ll find small schools of fish, mostly silversides, darting in and out of the rusted metal. What makes Picaflor our favourite isn't just the ease of access; it's the sheer density of life for such a small wreck. Look closely, and you'll spot crabs scuttling over the plates, anemones clinging to every surface, and sometimes, a lone octopus tucked into a shadowy crevice. The current can pick up here, making for a bit of a bumpy ride on the surface, but once you're down, the wreck offers a surprising amount of shelter. We’d suggest going at high tide for the best visibility, which, let's be honest, can be hit or miss in Mar del Plata. It’s perfect for a quick dip or for divers wanting to practise their navigation skills in a real-world setting without the pressure of depth.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.468533, -58.011166
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 PICAFLOR

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 PICAFLOR

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