CACHALOTE I
Why dive here
With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - CACHALOTE I offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
We're not going to lie, Cachalote I is a shallow one, barely a meter deep at high tide. But for a specific kind of diver, and we count ourselves among them, this site is pure magic. It's the skeleton of an old fishing trawler, stripped bare by decades of waves and salt, lying right there near the shore. We love the way the light catches the twisted metal, creating these surreal patterns on the sand below. You can practically stand up in places, but don’t let the depth fool you. This wreck is a haven for small, interesting things. Look closely, and you'll spot little crabs scuttling in the shadows of corroded plates, or tiny gobies darting between barnacle clusters. It’s less about grand exploration and more about intimate observation. Our favourite is hunting for the nudibranchs that often cling to the seaweed growing on the hull, surprisingly colourful against the muted tones of the wreck. It's a fantastic spot for macro photography, especially on a calm, sunny day when the water is still and clear. Leave the heavy gear behind; a mask, snorkel, and maybe some fins are all you need for an hour or two of absorbing discovery.
Typical CACHALOTE I Dive Profile
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.
CACHALOTE I Wreck History
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown
The Cachalote I rests in the shallow coastal waters near Mar del Plata, Argentina's premier fishing port. While the specific history of this vessel and the story of its loss are unknown, its name offers a strong clue to its past. 'Cachalote' is the Spanish word for sperm whale, heavily suggesting it was a fishing or whaling boat that operated out of the bustling harbour. Lying at a depth of just one meter, it is now a broken but intriguing feature on the seabed.
Designated a 'Dangerous Wreck', divers and snorkelers should approach the Cachalote I with care, as its dilapidated structure presents potential hazards. For local divers, it offers an easy-to-access site to explore a piece of the region's maritime heritage and observe how nature reclaims man-made objects. The remains of the vessel act as a micro-habitat, providing shelter for small fish, crustaceans, and other marine life typical of the South Atlantic coast.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for CACHALOTE I
CACHALOTE I Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for CACHALOTE I, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)
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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