CALIPSO - Mar del Plata

Calipso isn't about crushing depth or huge pelagics. It’s about the story, the way history feels when you’re finning over it. This old sailing vessel, just 3 meters down, is pure Mar del Plata charm. We love the way the light filters through the waves, playing across the hull, illuminating every barnacle and anemone that’s made a home here. We find ourselves exploring the skeletal remains of the deck, imagining the sailors who once walked these planks. It’s a shallow wreck, so you can take your time, really soak it in. Look closely and you’ll spot crab scuttling in crevices, and small schools of fish darting in and out of the timbers. We'd suggest aiming for a calm day; visibility can be a bit variable in Mar del Plata, but when it’s good, the Calipso glows. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers wanting to capture that interplay of light and decay, or anyone who just appreciates a wreck with character.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.566666, -58.303516
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - CALIPSO

Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
unknown

While the name 'Calipso' might evoke images of Jacques Cousteau's legendary research vessel, this wreck near Mar del Plata is a different, more mysterious craft. This 'Calipso' is a sailing vessel whose history and cause of sinking have been lost over time. Lying in just 3 meters of water, it is an incredibly accessible wreck, making it a perfect site for novice divers, snorkelers, and freedivers. Being partially exposed above the water, as its classification suggests, it is a prominent local feature. Divers can enjoy long, relaxed bottom times exploring the structure, which acts as an artificial reef for a host of local marine life. In the clear, shallow water, it's an excellent location for underwater photography, capturing the interplay of light, wreckage, and the sea creatures that now call it home.

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 CALIPSO

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 CALIPSO

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