CAP 3173 - Mar del Plata

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.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.634167, -58.125000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - CAP 3173

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.

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 CAP 3173

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 CAP 3173

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