Presidente Ramon Castillo - Mar del Plata

The Presidente Ramon Castillo in Mar del Plata isn't about depth or big pelagics. It’s a shallow, engaging wreck, sitting at just six meters, making it incredibly accessible for almost anyone. We love it because it’s a tangible piece of history you can truly interact with, a testament to the wild Patagonian storms it eventually succumbed to in 1957. Dropping onto the Castillo, you’re greeted by the skeletal remains of what was once a substantial cargo ship. The deck is largely gone, but the ribs and hull sections are remarkably intact. Light streams through the superstructure, creating these fantastic shafts of silver in the green water. Look closely and you’ll find the wreck absolutely encrusted with anemones, their tentacles waving gently with the surge. We’ve spent hours just poking around the engine room, peering into the companionways where schools of small silversides dart in and out. It’s a fantastic site for photographers, especially macro enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys the quiet intimacy of a well-preserved wreck without the pressure of deep deco limits. You might not see sharks, but the sheer volume of invertebrate life and the ship's story make this a genuine standout for us.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-33.766670, -59.178610
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 Presidente Ramon Castillo

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 Ramon Castillo

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