Barcaza TN 1173 - Mar del Plata

The Barcaza TN 1173 isn't just a wreck, it’s an open history book, sitting shallow at only eight metres off Mar del Plata. We love how accessible it is, perfect for an afternoon when you don't want to wrestle with deeper currents or longer deco times. Dropping onto the deck, you immediately feel the age of the old barge, a steel skeleton now completely encrusted with mussels and anemones. It’s a riot of textures under the often-murky surface, and we find ourselves just tracing the lines of the hull, imagining its working life. What really makes this site special for us is the sheer volume of fish that live here. Schools of sciaenids and hake drift through the open holds, sometimes so dense they form shimmering curtains. Look closely into the crevices and you’ll often spot crabs scuttling or small octopuses peering out. We’d suggest going on a calm day; while the depth is forgiving, visibility can be tricky here, so picking your weather will make a real difference to your experience. It’s a great dive for photographers who appreciate character over vastness, and anyone who enjoys getting up close and personal with marine life in a compact, fascinating environment.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.260110, -58.660830
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Wreck History - Barcaza TN 1173

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

Lying at a depth of 8 meters off Mar del Plata, the Barcaza TN 1173 is another of the area's intriguing shallow wrecks. While its specific history is unconfirmed, the 'TN' in its designation may hint at a former life with the 'Transporte Naval' (Naval Transport) of the Argentine Navy. How this potential military vessel ended up on the seafloor is unknown, but its classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' suggests it wasn't a planned sinking for a dive park.

Regardless of its past, the wreck is now a thriving artificial reef. Its simple, open structure is easy to navigate and provides a habitat for a variety of local marine species. Divers can expect to find schools of small fish darting in and out of its framework, while crabs and lobsters often hide in the darker crevices. The Barcaza TN 1173 offers a straightforward and rewarding dive, blending a hint of military history with the vibrant marine life of the Atlantic.

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 TN 1173

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 TN 1173

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