A R A LAPATAIA
Why dive here
With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - A R A LAPATAIA offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
The A R A Lapataia is a shallow dive, just seven metres down, but it’s packed with character. We love how accessible this wreck is, perfect for knocking out a couple of dives without a huge deco commitment. You're exploring the bones of an old transport vessel, and it really feels like stepping back in time. What you'll find here is a robust frame, not delicate, but wonderfully colonised by local marine life. Look closely and you’ll spot crabs scuttling over the rusting plates and schools of small fish darting in and out of the openings. The visibility can be a bit variable, so we always suggest checking local conditions before heading out, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the superstructure. It’s a photographer's dream, especially when you catch a glimmer of the sun bouncing off a school of silversides. This site is fantastic for newer wreck divers or anyone who just wants an easy, engaging dive with some local history to chew on. Expect to spend a lot of time just hovering, taking in the scale of it all.
Typical A R A LAPATAIA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 14°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
A R A LAPATAIA Wreck History
Year Sunk
1967
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled
The A.R.A. *Lapataia* served the Argentine Navy (Armada de la República Argentina) as a transport vessel for many years, plying the coastal waters and supporting naval operations. Rather than being lost to storm or conflict, the ship was given a new purpose after its decommissioning. In 1967, the *Lapataia* was deliberately and carefully scuttled off the coast of Mar del Plata to create an artificial reef, one of the first in the region's pioneering underwater park.
Lying in just 7 meters of water, the *Lapataia* is an outstanding site for novice divers, training dives, and snorkelers. Its shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times and excellent light conditions. The vessel rests upright on the sandy bottom, its main structures still recognizable. Over more than half a century, it has transformed into a bustling marine metropolis, offering shelter to a dense population of fish, anemones, and other invertebrates, proving a successful transition from a naval workhorse to a thriving underwater ecosystem.
Nearest Dive Centres to A R A LAPATAIA
Dive shops near A R A LAPATAIA
BUCEO YAMANA
TOURNIER DIVERS
Argentina YMCA
CENTRO BUCEO SUR
Mermaid World
AM DIVE
Reviews for A R A LAPATAIA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for A R A LAPATAIA
A R A LAPATAIA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for A R A LAPATAIA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
14°C
56°F · Range: 11.1–16.9°C
Current Speed
2.83 cm/s
Direction: SE (135°)
Salinity
0 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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