ORIENTAL ARGOSY - Lake Atitlan

Forget everything you think you know about wreck diving. The Oriental Argosy isn't some deep-sea ghost. It’s a shipwreck in Lake Atitlan, a freshwater lake high in the Guatemalan mountains. This isn't about pelagics or vibrant corals. This is about history, about a vast vessel that somehow ended up in a lake, and the unique world it’s created. We love the sheer oddity of it. Imagine, a 159-meter steamship, built in Japan in 1957, now lying at a maximum depth of 5 meters. You can literally snorkel over the whole thing. Our favourite part is how the local freshwater ecosystem has embraced it. We’ve seen small schools of fish darting in and out of the superstructure, and the hull is covered in a fine layer of algae, giving it an otherworldly green glow in the filtered lake light. For a unique perspective, we’d suggest going early in the morning. The lake is often calmer then, and the light penetrates better through the surface. Don't expect crystal-clear ocean visibility; it’s a lake, after all. But that slight murkiness actually adds to the atmosphere, making the wreck feel even more mysterious. It’s perfect for photographers looking for something truly different, or anyone who appreciates a story with their dive. It’s not a challenging dive, just an unusual one, and that’s precisely why we rate it so highly.

Location
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, Central America
Coordinates
13.917500, -90.835000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Zona de Reserva Para protección especial de la fauna, flora y en general del ecosistema natural y biotopo en el área (MONTERRICO)

Best Time to Dive in Lake Atitlan

The warmest water temperatures in Lake Atitlan occur in January, averaging 28.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.4°C (air: 17.9°C)
  • February: 28.4°C (air: 18.3°C)
  • March: 28.4°C (air: 18.7°C)
  • April: 28.4°C (air: 19.2°C)
  • May: 28.4°C (air: 19.4°C)
  • June: 28.4°C (air: 18.7°C)
  • July: 28.4°C (air: 19.3°C)
  • August: 28.4°C (air: 19.2°C)
  • September: 28.4°C (air: 18.9°C)
  • October: 28.4°C (air: 18.8°C)
  • November: 28.4°C (air: 18.3°C)
  • December: 28.4°C (air: 17.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Lake Atitlan

Nearest Dive Centres to ORIENTAL ARGOSY

Marine Life in Lake Atitlan

Home to 2 recorded species including 1 other, 1 reef fish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ORIENTAL ARGOSY

Based on average water temperature of 28.4°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Oriental Argosy dive site and what are its key features?
The Oriental Argosy dive site has a maximum depth of 5 meters. This fascinating site features a large steam ship vessel, measuring 159.9m x 19m, which was built in 1957 and tragically sunk on July 9, 1975. As a classified wreck, divers can explore portions of its hull and superstructure, offering a unique glimpse into its past.
What marine life and specific wreck artifacts can divers expect to see at the Oriental Argosy?
While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data for the Oriental Argosy, divers can expect to explore the impressive wreck itself. The site is a steam ship vessel, offering visible portions of its hull and superstructure. This provides a unique opportunity to observe the structural elements of a ship built in 1957 and lost in 1975.
How difficult is the Oriental Argosy dive, and is it suitable for advanced open water divers?
The Oriental Argosy dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its intermediate rating, it is generally suitable for advanced open water divers who possess the necessary skills and experience for wreck diving at shallow depths. Divers should always assess their personal comfort and training before undertaking any dive.
What is the best time of year to dive the Oriental Argosy for optimal visibility and calm conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and calm conditions at the Oriental Argosy dive site. For general information on optimal diving seasons in Guatemala or Lake Atitlan, please consult our when to dive guide. Local dive operators can also provide up-to-date information on seasonal conditions.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended for diving the Oriental Argosy wreck?
The provided data does not explicitly state specific scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended for diving the Oriental Argosy wreck. However, given its intermediate difficulty and classification as a wreck dive, an Open Water Diver certification is a minimum, and additional training like a Wreck Diver specialty course would be highly beneficial for exploring such sites safely. Always ensure you have appropriate scuba diving equipment and training for the conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and water temperatures experienced at the Oriental Argosy dive site?
Information regarding typical current conditions and water temperatures for the Oriental Argosy dive site is not available in the provided data. As this site is located in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, lake conditions can vary. It is always recommended to check with local dive centers for the most current information on water temperature and any potential currents before planning your dive.