ARLAPLA II
Why dive here
With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - ARLAPLA II offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
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.
Typical ARLAPLA II 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.
ARLAPLA II Wreck History
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to ARLAPLA II
Dive shops near ARLAPLA II
Argentina YMCA
CENTRO BUCEO SUR
La Casa del Buceador
BUCEO YAMANA
Mermaid Paradise and Freediving
Mermaid World
Reviews for ARLAPLA II
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ARLAPLA II
ARLAPLA II Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ARLAPLA II, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
14°C
56°F · Range: 11.1–16.9°C
Current Speed
2.83 cm/s
Direction: SE (135°)
Salinity
0 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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