Argenera I - Mar del Plata

The Argenera I wreck isn't just a sunken ship; it's a piece of Mar del Plata's industrial past, now reclaimed by the ocean. She was a trawler, a working vessel, and you feel that history as you descend. The deck sits at 27 metres, and we love how the structure is still largely intact, giving you proper rooms to explore – the wheelhouse is a favourite, though it takes a good eye to spot the details now crusted over. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, typical for coastal sites in the region, so pick your day carefully, ideally after a few calm ones. When it's good, you'll find the wreck absolutely swarming with life; we've seen schools of silversides so thick they look like a moving wall, and the resident conger eels are usually out peering from crevices. It’s a dive for those who appreciate wrecks with a story, offering a decent penetration for experienced divers, but still rewarding for anyone who enjoys circling the exterior, watching the sea take back what was once man-made.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-33.876335, -58.961334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
27m

Wreck History - Argenera I

Year Sunk
1974
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
storm
Tonnage
250 GRT

The 'Argenera I' was a proud member of Mar del Plata's bustling fishing fleet, a hardworking vessel that plied the rich waters of the South Atlantic. Like many of its kind, its story is woven into the fabric of the local community, representing the city's deep connection to the sea. Its career was cut tragically short in 1974 when it was caught in a vicious storm and foundered, sinking beneath the waves and taking its place among the region's many shipwrecks.

Today, the 'Argenera I' rests at a depth of 27 meters, offering a compelling dive for experienced divers. Over the decades, the ocean has transformed the vessel into a thriving artificial reef. The wreck is often patrolled by schools of fish, and its decaying structure provides a home for a variety of invertebrates. Exploring the ghostly remains of its deck and superstructure is a poignant reminder of the power of the sea and the lives of the fishermen who sailed her.

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 Argenera I

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 Argenera I

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