AREFERRO 21

Best months: Jan–Mar

Why dive here

With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - AREFERRO 21 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 5m

AREFERRO 21 isn't about deep blue adventures or a parade of big pelagics. This is a shallow, surprisingly engaging wreck dive, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. The old lighter vessel lies broken, its metal ribs forming a skeletal outline just beneath the surface. We love tracing the hull's remnants, imagining its working life before it met its end. What really makes AREFERRO 21 special is the way the local marine life has utterly reclaimed it. You'll find a thick carpet of anemones and sponges clinging to every available surface. Look closely, and you'll spot scuttling crabs, shy blennies tucked into crevices, and schools of silversides flickering through the gaps in the wreck. Visibility can be a bit variable here, so we'd suggest picking a calm day, ideally after a few days of settled weather. The best light often hits late morning, illuminating the wreck without too much surface glare. It’s not a challenging dive, but it's a wonderfully atmospheric one.

Typical AREFERRO 21 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.

Today05:1618:0112h 45m daylightGolden hour 17:27

AREFERRO 21 Wreck History

Vessel Type

barge

Cause

unknown

The AREFERRO 21 is a classic example of the maritime history hidden just beneath the waves of Mar del Plata. Identified as a lighter vessel-a type of barge used for transferring cargo to and from larger ships-it was a workhorse of the port. Its name, possibly translating to "Argentine Iron 21," points to its role in the industrial life of the harbor. The cause of its sinking is lost to time, but today it rests in just 5 meters of water, a silent monument to the region's commercial past.

This wreck is an underwater playground for divers of all levels. Its extremely shallow depth makes it an ideal spot for training dives, check-out dives, or a relaxed exploration. Classified as a dangerous wreck, it remains a substantial feature on the seabed, providing a complex habitat for marine creatures. Divers can easily navigate the simple, open structure of the barge, searching for the critters that now call the corroded metal home. The AREFERRO 21 is a reminder that even the most functional vessels can become beautiful, life-filled underwater attractions.

Reviews for AREFERRO 21

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AREFERRO 21

AREFERRO 21 Ocean Conditions

Monthly averages for AREFERRO 21, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)