3m
    Mar del Plata, Argentina

    Barcaza 1121

    Best months: Jan–Mar

    Why dive here

    With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - Barcaza 1121 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 3m

    Barcaza 1121 is one of our favourite shallow wrecks in Mar del Plata. It sits upright, just three metres down, making it perfect for a relaxed dive, even if you’re newer to wreck diving. The old barge is surprisingly intact, the bow and stern still well-defined. We love poking around the hold, which is now a bustling apartment building for small fish. You’ll find schools of silversides flickering in and out of the metal ribs, and often a grumpy kingcroaker peering out from beneath a collapsed section. The light is fantastic here, filtering through the water and illuminating the rust-coloured metal. We’d suggest heading out on a calm morning; the visibility can drop a bit if the swell picks up. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs clinging to the hull plates – we’ve spotted some real beauties there over the years. This wreck offers a great chance to explore a piece of local history without needing to go deep, and the marine residents make every visit a pleasant surprise.

    Typical Barcaza 1121 Dive Profile

    Safety Stop0m3m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    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.

    Today05:1918:0412h 45m daylightGolden hour 17:30

    Barcaza 1121 Wreck History

    Vessel Type

    barge

    Cause

    unknown

    Just a stone's throw from the surface, Barcaza 1121 rests in only 3 meters of water off Mar del Plata, making it an incredibly shallow dive site. Like its nearby counterpart, Barcaza 1013-A, the origins and cause of sinking for this barge are lost to time. Its simple, functional structure now serves as a habitat for local marine life, offering a unique opportunity to observe a wreck environment in bright, sunlit conditions. The 'Dangerous Wreck' classification is a reminder to explore with care, as the decaying structure can present sharp edges. This is an ideal spot for a final off-gassing dive of the day, a checkout dive for new gear, or for anyone looking to spend an extended amount of time exploring a wreck without worrying about decompression.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Barcaza 1121

    Barcaza 1121 Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Barcaza 1121, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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