ARENORTE NO.7 - Mar del Plata

Forget deep dives here; Arenorte No.7 is a different kind of adventure. This isn't about pelagics or technicolor reefs, it's about history you can touch, right in the shallows of Mar del Plata. We love how the hull of this old lighter vessel just barely breaks the surface on a calm day, giving you a peek at its ghostly form before you even get wet. At a maximum depth of two meters, this site is pure snorkel or free dive territory. We’d even suggest a strong swimmer could spend an hour just exploring its skeletal remains from above. You’ll weave through rusted beams and mangled plates, feeling the cool surge against your legs as small fish dart between the shadows. It's a surreal experience, almost like swimming through a submerged industrial sculpture. Keep an eye out for crabs scuttling over the barnacle-encrusted metal and the occasional small octopus peeking from a crevice. It’s definitely our pick for a low-key afternoon when the wind dies down and you’re looking for something uniquely Mar del Plata.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.150530, -58.223970
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ARENORTE NO.7

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

At a mere 2 meters deep, the remains of the 'Arenorte No. 7' offer a unique and accessible dive, perfect for training, snorkeling, or a relaxed exploration on a calm day in Mar del Plata. As a former lighter vessel, or barge, its history is humble, likely spent ferrying cargo between larger ships and the shore. Today, what's left of its structure lies scattered on the seabed. Its classification as a 'dangerous wreck' serves as a reminder to be cautious of sharp metal and potential entanglement hazards, but for the prepared diver, it's a fascinating look at a piece of the port's industrial past, now reclaimed by coastal marine life.

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 ARENORTE NO.7

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 ARENORTE NO.7

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