ANCAP 11

Best months: Jan–Mar

Why dive here

With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - ANCAP 11 offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.

Best timeJan–Mar

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeSperm Whales · 33+ species recorded

Water10-21°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 6m

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.

Typical ANCAP 11 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.

Today05:1017:5612h 45m daylightGolden hour 17:22

ANCAP 11 Wreck History

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.

Nearest Dive Centres to ANCAP 11

Dive shops near ANCAP 11

Montevideo Diving

19km away

Web

Phone

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Reviews for ANCAP 11

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ANCAP 11

ANCAP 11 Ocean Conditions

Monthly averages for ANCAP 11, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)