ARQUIMEDES - Mar del Plata

The *Arquimedes* wreck is a peculiar little dive in Mar del Plata. We’re talking about an old dredging barge, scuttled way back in 1960. It sits upright, proud even, in just 5 metres of water, so it’s a brilliant spot for an extended bottom time, perfect for new divers getting their feet wet or photographers who want to spend ages framing a shot. We really love how accessible the *Arquimedes* is. It's not a deep, dark penetration dive, but rather an open, friendly wreck where you can poke around the superstructure and get a real feel for its history. The visibility here can be… well, it’s Mar del Plata, so it averages 5-10 metres, but on a good day, when the swell lays down, the light filters through the green water beautifully. You’ll find all sorts of critters making a home here: small kingfish, Patagonian blennies peeking from every crevice, and the nudibranchs are surprisingly varied for this part of the world. Our favourite thing to do is find a quiet corner, settle in, and watch the schooling silversides flicker around the rusty metal. It’s a gentle, unassuming dive that always leaves us smiling.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.227417, -58.069035
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - ARQUIMEDES

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

Little is known about the history of the Arquimedes, a wreck lying in the waters off Mar del Plata, Argentina. Its origins, date of sinking, and purpose remain a mystery. What is known, however, is its official classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck,' a designation that serves as both a warning and an irresistible lure for adventurous divers. Lying in just 5 metres of water, the wreck is subject to the full force of coastal sea conditions.

Diving the Arquimedes requires caution and respect. The 'dangerous' classification could point to sharp, unstable metal structures, entanglement hazards from old nets or cables, or its location in an area of strong surge and currents. For the prepared diver, the challenge is part of the appeal. Exploring this enigmatic site offers the chance to piece together clues about its identity while navigating a dynamic and potentially hazardous underwater environment, making it a memorable dive for the experienced explorer.

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 ARQUIMEDES

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 ARQUIMEDES

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