Argenera I

Best months: Jan–Mar

Why dive here

With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - Argenera I 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 27m

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.

Typical Argenera I Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Depth of 27m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

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.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today05:2218:0612h 44m daylightGolden hour 17:32

Argenera I Wreck History

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.

Reviews for Argenera I

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Argenera I

Argenera I Ocean Conditions

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