Viejo Bueno - Mar del Plata

Viejo Bueno isn't your average Mar del Plata dive. It's a proper wreck, not just some scattered debris, and that’s what we love about it. Lying in just 12 metres, the fishing trawler sank over 30 years ago, and time has done its work. The stern section is the most intact, with the prop still visible and a good portion of the superstructure to explore. You can peer into the old wheelhouse, imagining the last moments of the crew, though entry is for experienced wreck divers only. What makes Viejo Bueno a standout for us is how much life has moved in. Schools of silversides shimmer through the deck openings, and we’ve spotted plenty of king crabs clambering over the corroded metal. Look closely in the cracks and crevices; we often find nudibranchs here, small but beautifully coloured. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical for Mar del Plata, but on a good day, the light filters through, illuminating the wreck’s skeletal structure. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide for the best experience, as currents can be surprisingly strong. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration and a keen eye.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.267500, -58.643000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

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 Viejo Bueno

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 Viejo Bueno

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