Barcaza 1121 - Mar del Plata

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.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.556640, -58.399160
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - Barcaza 1121

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.

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 1121

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 1121

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