BARCAZA 916-B - Mar del Plata

We love a good shallow wreck, and BarcaZa 916-B certainly delivers on character. This old barge sits in just four metres of water, perfect for an easy dive or even a snorkel on a calm day. It’s a proper historical piece, sunk back in the 1970s, and you can really feel that history as you glide over the deck plates. The metalwork is encrusted with mussels and anemones, and we often spot small schooling fish darting in and out of the shadows. It’s our favourite spot for checking out the resident crabs and blennies that have made the wreck their home. The visibility can be a bit variable here – sometimes it’s a lovely 10 metres, other times it’s a murky green, but even then, the wreck still feels incredibly atmospheric. We’d suggest going at high tide; the water tends to be clearer then and the light penetration through the surface makes the whole scene glow. This site is brilliant for newer divers looking for their first wreck experience, or for photographers wanting to capture some moody shots without worrying about depth or decompression. It’s not about huge pelagics here, it’s about the intimacy of a forgotten vessel slowly being reclaimed by the ocean.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.484016, -58.076233
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Wreck History - BARCAZA 916-B

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

The BARCAZA 916-B is an extremely shallow wreck, lying in only 4 meters of water near the bustling port of Mar del Plata. Its history is unknown, and its classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' indicates it poses a potential hazard to surface navigation. Whether it was a victim of a storm or simply abandoned, it has now become a permanent feature of the local underwater landscape.

For divers, this wreck offers a unique opportunity for a 'snorkel-dive' or a training site for those just starting their underwater adventures. The skeletal remains of the barge are bathed in sunlight, allowing for extended bottom times and fantastic photo opportunities. The structure acts as a nursery for juvenile fish and a home for countless invertebrates, making it a lively macro site where the smallest critters are the main attraction.

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 916-B

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 916-B

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