PRIMITIVO ARTURO - Mar del Plata

The *Primitivo Arturo* isn't your typical deep-sea wreck. We love it because it’s right there, practically on the surface, a fascinating glimpse into history just a few strokes from shore. Maximum depth is two metres, so it’s less about depth and more about discovery. This old fishing trawler, shipwrecked close to Mar del Plata’s coast, offers a unique opportunity for snorkelers and very shallow divers to explore. What you'll find here is a jumble of metal, twisted and barnacle-encrusted, with small fish darting in and out of the crevices. We've often seen juvenile hake and small crabs making homes in the hull, sometimes a curious octopus peeking out. The light filters through the shallow water, illuminating the rust and the surprising flashes of colour from anemones. It’s not a site for big pelagics, but for a leisurely exploration of a piece of maritime history, it’s our favourite Mar del Plata spot. You’ll hear the gentle lapping of waves against the shore as you drift over it. It’s a site that suits anyone comfortable in the water, offering a quiet, reflective experience rather than a thrill-seeking one. We’d suggest going at high tide for the best visibility, when the water is calmer and clearer.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.639866, -58.359306
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

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 PRIMITIVO ARTURO

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 PRIMITIVO ARTURO

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