ANCAP 11 - Mar del Plata

ANCAP 11 isn't about deep diving or huge pelagics. This site, just off Mar del Plata, is pure history, shallow and accessible. We love the way the wreck of this oil tanker, split into two main sections, lays itself out at a mere six metres. It’s an easy dive, perfect for photographers or anyone keen to spend time exploring without worrying about bottom time. You'll fin through the superstructure, seeing how the light plays through the gaps and the masts reaching towards the surface. Keep an eye out for the local residents: conger eels poke their heads from the darker recesses, and crabs scuttle across the rusted metal. The real treat is the sheer number of anemones and nudibranchs that have colonised every available surface, transforming the wreck into a vibrant, living canvas. Our favourite time to dive here is on a calm morning, just after sunrise; the colours are incredible and the visibility often at its best. It's a proper wreck dive, even if it's not a deep one, and a fantastic way to experience Mar del Plata's underwater heritage.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.916267, -56.288933
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - ANCAP 11

Vessel Type
tugboat
Cause
unknown

The ANCAP 11 is one of Mar del Plata's most accessible and intriguing wrecks, shrouded in a bit of mystery. Its name suggests it was part of the fleet belonging to ANCAP, Uruguay's national fuel company, likely serving as a harbor tug or support vessel. The exact date and cause of its sinking are not well-documented, but its final resting place is exceptionally shallow. Lying at just 6 meters, its masts often break the surface, acting as a beacon for divers, snorkelers, and even kayakers.

This wreck is an ideal site for novice divers, training dives, and underwater photographers looking for a long, relaxed bottom time in calm conditions. The shallow depth allows sunlight to illuminate the entire structure, highlighting the marine life that has completely enveloped it. Divers can easily explore the exterior of the small vessel, observing the encrusting sponges and anemones and searching for the crabs, blennies, and small fish that have taken up residence in its nooks and crannies.

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 ANCAP 11

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 ANCAP 11

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