CAP 3173
Why dive here
With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - CAP 3173 offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
The CAP 3173 isn't just a wreck; it's a piece of Mar del Plata's maritime story, sitting pretty at a very forgiving six metres. We love how accessible this site is, making it a fantastic dive for newer wreck enthusiasts or anyone looking for a relaxed plunge. The vessel, a lighter, now lies split in two, creating some interesting swim-throughs and plenty of nooks for marine life. You’ll find kelp draped over the metal, swaying gently with the surge, and the local fish, mostly small schooling silversides and blennies, dart in and out of the broken hull. Our favourite time to dive the CAP 3173 is on a calm morning, just after sunrise. The low sun filtering through the water casts long, shifting shadows across the wreck, making the rusted metal glow with an almost ethereal light. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, you can appreciate the scale of the wreck, noting the details of its former life as a working vessel. It’s a site that really makes you feel connected to the ocean's history, a silent testament to the sea's power, now home to a new, vibrant ecosystem.
Typical CAP 3173 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.
CAP 3173 Wreck History
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown
Resting in the shallows just off the bustling port of Mar del Plata, the wreck known as CAP 3173 offers an accessible glimpse into the underwater world. Little is known about the history of this lighter vessel or the circumstances of its sinking, but its remains now lie at a mere 6 meters. Its designation as a 'dangerous wreck' suggests it is significantly broken up, a fact that often works in favor of divers. The scattered structure provides ample nooks and crannies for local marine life to colonize, creating a dynamic and interesting artificial reef. Due to its shallow depth and proximity to shore, it serves as an excellent site for novice divers, training dives, and photographers looking for a relaxed dive with plenty of bottom time and ambient light.
Nearest Dive Centres to CAP 3173
Dive shops near CAP 3173
BUCEO YAMANA
Argentina YMCA
CENTRO BUCEO SUR
La Casa del Buceador
Mermaid World
AM DIVE
Reviews for CAP 3173
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for CAP 3173
CAP 3173 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for CAP 3173, 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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