Arlapla V
Why dive here
With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - Arlapla V offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
Okay, Arlapla V. We’ve all heard the stories of the Mar del Plata wreck graveyard, and this one, for us, is a real standout. It’s shallow, only five metres down, but don’t let that fool you. This isn’t a gentle drift over a few bits of metal. The Arlapla V is a fishing vessel, and she’s a tangled mess of twisted steel and pipes, completely colonised by mussels and anemones. You’ll feel the chill of the Atlantic even in summer, so a good 7mm is your friend here, maybe even a drysuit if you’re particularly susceptible. What we love about Arlapla V is the challenge. It’s a dangerous wreck, no doubt, with sharp edges and collapsing sections, so buoyancy control is paramount. But if you’re a confident diver, the exploration is fantastic. We’ve spent entire dives just picking apart the details – peering into engine room sections now home to spider crabs, or watching schools of hake dart between the superstructure. It’s a photographer’s dream, too, especially on those calmer days when the light penetrates through the gloom and illuminates the rust reds against the deep greens of the kelp. This site isn't for everyone, but if you appreciate a bit of raw, challenging history, this is our pick in Mar del Plata.
Typical Arlapla V 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 V Wreck History
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown
A sister to the ARLAPLA II, the Arlapla V rests nearby in just 5 meters of water, another testament to the industrial activity of Mar del Plata. Its name strongly implies it was part of the same fleet of work barges, likely meeting a similar, unrecorded fate. This wreck provides another excellent opportunity for shallow-water exploration, training, or a second dive after visiting its sibling. The slightly deeper location might attract a different variety of marine life. Despite its accessibility, it is also classified as a 'Dangerous Wreck,' reminding visitors to be mindful of sharp metal and potential coastal currents.
Nearest Dive Centres to Arlapla V
Dive shops near Arlapla V
BUCEO YAMANA
Argentina YMCA
CENTRO BUCEO SUR
La Casa del Buceador
Mermaid Paradise and Freediving
Mermaid World
Reviews for Arlapla V
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Arlapla V
Arlapla V Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Arlapla V, 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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