Barcaza 1013-A - Mar del Plata

The Barcaza 1013-A, sitting in a mere 4 metres of water, might not sound like much, but it’s our favourite kind of wreck – one that’s become a living reef. This old barge, deemed a "dangerous wreck" by the authorities, is anything but dangerous for divers, unless you count the risk of falling in love with its gnarly character. We love how accessible it is; you can spend ages just cruising over the deck, which is surprisingly intact in places. What makes it special is the way the cold Patagonian waters have turned this metal hulk into a giant apartment block for marine life. Look closely and you’ll find colonies of anemones, sea stars clinging to every surface, and if you’re patient, small octopuses peeking out from beneath twisted metal. The visibility can be a bit hit or miss, typical for Mar del Plata, but when it’s good, the light plays beautifully on the wreck, highlighting the schools of silversides darting in and out of the shadows. This is a perfect spot for newer divers getting their first taste of wreck diving, or for photographers wanting to practice their macro skills in a calm, shallow environment. Just remember to check the local conditions; strong surge can make it a bumpy ride.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.563330, -58.197815
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Wreck History - Barcaza 1013-A

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

Lying in the exceptionally shallow waters of Mar del Plata, Barcaza 1013-A is one of the most accessible wrecks in the region. At a mere 4 meters deep, this site is perfect for novice divers, training dives, or even snorkelers on a calm day. The history of this numbered barge is unknown, but it was clearly a workhorse in the local port, its functional design now providing a simple but interesting artificial reef. Despite its shallow depth, it is classified as a 'Dangerous Wreck,' and divers should be cautious of sharp, rusted metal and potential entanglement hazards. The easy access and shallow depth make it an excellent location for underwater photography, allowing for long bottom times and great natural light.

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 Barcaza 1013-A

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 Barcaza 1013-A

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