Tijuca III - Mar del Plata

Okay, let's talk about Tijuca III. We know, Mar del Plata isn't always the first place that springs to mind for a dive trip, but this particular wreck has a gritty charm that we really appreciate. It’s barely submerged, a shallow dive at a maximum depth of two metres, meaning it's almost more of a snorkel or free-dive than a tank dive. But don’t let that fool you; the exposed hull of this old cargo ship, run aground way back in 1968, is a fascinating structure. What we love about Tijuca III is the way the strong Atlantic currents have sculpted the wreck over the decades. You’ll see the ribbed skeleton of the ship, barnacled and encrusted, making for some dramatic photographs. Look closely among the metal plates and you’ll find small crabs scuttling, and schools of silversides darting in and out of the shadows. It's not about big pelagics here; it's about the resilience of the ocean claiming back what's hers. We'd suggest picking a calm day, as the surge can really kick up here, making it tricky to appreciate the details. It's a unique experience, a quick dip into history, and a great way to spend an afternoon if you're in Mar del Plata.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.516773, -58.298610
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 Tijuca III

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 Tijuca III

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