Arlapla V - Mar del Plata

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.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.593870, -58.170017
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - Arlapla V

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.

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 V

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 V

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