PRESIDENTE HARDING - Mar del Plata

The Presidente Harding, just off Mar del Plata, is a standout for a very specific reason: it’s a genuine piece of history, incredibly shallow, and utterly colonised by local life. At a mere four metres, this isn't a deep dive, but what it lacks in depth it makes up for in character. We love how accessible it is, perfect for multiple dives, or even just a quick dip if you’re already in the area. This wreck is a skeletal remains of a cargo ship, torpedoed during World War II, and you can practically touch the surface while circling its ribs. You’ll weave through rusted metal frames, now completely encrusted with mussels and anemones. Visibility can be a bit variable here, depending on the day, but when it’s good, the light plays beautifully through the superstructure. Keep an eye out for small crabs scuttling amongst the growth, and we’ve often seen schools of silversides darting in and out of the darker pockets. It’s a photographer’s dream for wide-angle shots showing the sun and the wreck in one frame. Our favourite time to dive it is early morning, before any wind picks up, when the water is calmest and the light is soft.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.760250, -58.013966
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 PRESIDENTE HARDING

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 PRESIDENTE HARDING

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