VIZCAINO NO.15 - Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata isn’t typically on the radar for wreck diving, but the Vizcaino No. 15 offers something uniquely accessible. It’s a shipwreck that sits in just two metres of water, right off the coast. That depth means it’s less about penetrating tight spaces and more about a different kind of exploration. We love the feeling of the waves breaking over the structure, the way the sunlight slices through the water and dances on the rusted metal. This isn’t a deep dive; it’s a snorkel or a very shallow free dive, perfect for a surface interval or a relaxed afternoon. You’ll find the Vizcaino No. 15 has become a home for all sorts of smaller critters. Think small crabs scuttling over the plates, anemones clinging to the stern, and even the occasional small octopus tucked into a crevice. The wreck itself is quite broken up, but its skeleton is still very much there, telling a story of its past life as a lighter vessel. We’d suggest going at high tide for the best visibility, when the sand has settled a bit and the water feels calmer. It’s a great spot for photographers looking for interesting light and texture, or for anyone who appreciates the quiet beauty of a wreck that’s slowly being reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.478966, -58.216520
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 VIZCAINO NO.15

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 VIZCAINO NO.15

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