Angela Francisca - Mar del Plata

The *Angela Francisca* isn't a deep dive, sitting at just four metres, but it offers a surprisingly atmospheric experience. This old barge, designated 'dangerous' by the authorities, has been down there long enough to feel like a proper wreck, not just a sunken boat. What we love about it is how accessible the history feels. You can fin right over the skeletal remains of the hull, spotting the robust ribs of the vessel, now furry with anemones and swaying kelp. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm morning, just after sunrise, when the light filters down through the surface, dappling the wreck in greens and blues. Keep an eye out for the local residents – we've seen everything from spiny dogfish cruising by to small schools of silversides darting amongst the twisted metal. The *Angela Francisca* is perfect for photographers looking for a moody, shallow wreck shot, or anyone keen to explore a piece of Mar del Plata's maritime past without the need for advanced certs. It's a great second dive of the day, or a relaxed way to ease into a trip.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.550056, -58.108110
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Wreck History - Angela Francisca

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

The history of the Angela Francisca barge is not well-documented, but its final resting place in the shallow waters off Mar del Plata provides a fantastic opportunity for divers of all levels. Lying at a mere 4 meters, this wreck is easily accessible and perfect for novice divers, training dives, or even snorkelers looking to explore a piece of submerged architecture. Due to the shallow depth, dives can be long and are blessed with abundant natural light, making it a superb location for underwater photography. While its past is a mystery, the Angela Francisca now serves as a thriving artificial reef, attracting a surprising density of local marine life. Its 'Dangerous wreck' classification serves as a reminder to be cautious of sharp edges or potential entanglement, but for the careful explorer, it offers a simple yet rewarding underwater adventure.

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 Angela Francisca

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 Angela Francisca

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