ARQUIMEDES

Best months: Jan–Mar

Why dive here

With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - ARQUIMEDES offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.

Best timeJan–Mar

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeSperm Whales · 33+ species recorded

Water10-21°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 5m

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.

Typical ARQUIMEDES 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.

Today05:1818:0212h 44m daylightGolden hour 17:29

ARQUIMEDES Wreck History

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.

Nearest Dive Centres to ARQUIMEDES

Dive shops near ARQUIMEDES

CEB Escuela de Buceo

47km away

View all dive centres in Mar del Plata

Reviews for ARQUIMEDES

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ARQUIMEDES

ARQUIMEDES Ocean Conditions

Monthly averages for ARQUIMEDES, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)