Velocidad - Mar del Plata

The *Velocidad* is a wreck dive, pure and simple, and one of our favourite shallow dives off Mar del Plata. What’s not to love about a wooden fishing trawler, sunk after an onboard explosion in the 1960s, now sitting upright in just four metres of water? It’s a fantastic spot for a long, relaxed dive, especially when the sun is high and the light filters through the kelp, making the whole wreck glow. We love exploring the bow, where the anchor chain still drapes dramatically over the side, and poking around the stern, where you can often spot conger eels peeking out from under the collapsed decking. The wooden hull is completely encrusted with barnacles and mussels, attracting all sorts of smaller critters. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs, tiny crabs scuttling across the timbers, and plenty of blennies darting in and out of crevices. It’s not about big pelagics here; it's about the intricate details and the quiet history. The *Velocidad* is perfect for photographers, or anyone who enjoys taking their time to really absorb a wreck, especially if you’re new to overhead environments but want a taste of a true wreck dive. Go on a calm day, and you’ll have plenty of visibility to appreciate its character.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.602066, -58.317270
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 Velocidad

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 Velocidad

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