ARLAPLA II - Mar del Plata

We’ll be frank, Mar del Plata isn’t typically on a diver’s radar, but ARLAPLA II is one of those surprisingly rewarding shallow dives that reminds us why we love exploring. It’s a very accessible wreck, a barge that sits in a scant three metres of water. What we genuinely appreciate about it is how much the ocean has reclaimed it. You’re not going to find schooling hammerheads here, but the wreck itself, classified as dangerous, is now a fantastic artificial reef. As you fin gently around it, you’ll notice the hull's metal plates are thick with anemones and hydroids, swaying with the surge. We’ve found plenty of crabs tucked into crevices and watched juvenile fish darting through the rusted superstructure. It’s a site for photographers who enjoy macro and wide-angle shots of encrusted metal, and for anyone who wants a relaxed dive with interesting structure. Our favourite time to dive it is when the sun is high, filtering light through the green water and highlighting the barnacle-covered beams. It might be shallow, but there’s a quiet charm to picking through the nooks and crannies of this old barge.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.602516, -58.286865
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - ARLAPLA II

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

Lying in the shallows off the bustling port of Mar del Plata, the ARLAPLA II is an incredibly accessible wreck. At a mere 3 meters deep, this barge is suitable for novice divers, training dives, and even snorkelers on a calm day. The name suggests it was part of a commercial fleet, likely used for transport or construction in the busy Argentinian harbor before it sank for reasons now lost to time. Its simple, boxy structure is easy to navigate, but its 'Dangerous Wreck' classification shouldn't be ignored; shallow-water surge and sharp, rusted metal edges demand respect and good buoyancy control.

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 ARLAPLA II

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 ARLAPLA II

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