Capitán Blood
Why dive here
With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - Capitán Blood offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
Mar del Plata has some serious coastal charm, but let's be honest, it's not the first place that springs to mind for diving. That said, the Capitán Blood wreck is a genuine surprise. This isn't some deep, technical dive; it’s practically a snorkel, sitting in just 2 meters of water. We love it because it’s so accessible, a fantastic spot if you're looking for something unique and relatively easy. The wreck itself is a skeleton of a tugboat, well-broken but still very much a wreck, scattered across a rocky bottom. Visibility here can be a bit of a gamble, especially after a storm, but when it’s good, it’s really good. You'll find schools of small fish weaving through the rusted frames, often some hefty crabs tucked into crevices, and we’ve even spotted rays cruising over the sand nearby. Our favourite part? How the light plays on the surface, dappling through the water and illuminating the metal. It makes for incredible photos, particularly in the mid-morning sun. It’s perfect for new divers getting comfortable with wrecks, or anyone who just wants to explore a piece of history without the pressure of depth.
Typical Capitán Blood 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.
Capitán Blood Wreck History
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown
Known by the evocative name "Capitán Blood," this wreck site off Mar del Plata, Argentina, is one of the most unusual on any dive log. Resting in a mere 2 meters of water, it is less a scuba dive and more of a snorkeling or free-diving location. Its history is obscure, but its classification as a 'dangerous wreck' indicates it poses a significant hazard to small boats navigating the area. The romantic name, likely a local nickname inspired by pirate tales, adds a layer of intrigue to the skeletal remains visible just below the surface.
Exploring Capitán Blood is an experience in accessibility. On a calm day, one can simply swim out and hover over the wreck, observing how the sea has claimed the structure. The extreme shallow depth means it is constantly interacting with the surge and waves, and its remains are likely scattered and broken. While not a destination for deep-wreck enthusiasts, it offers a unique opportunity for snorkelers and beachgoers to easily encounter a real shipwreck, making it a curious and interesting coastal feature.
Nearest Dive Centres to Capitán Blood
Dive shops near Capitán Blood
CEB Escuela de Buceo
IN ACQUA BUCEO
Baires Buceo
OKI-PIOKI DIVERS
Aquabaires Buceo
Diving Center - Centro Integral de Buceo
Reviews for Capitán Blood
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Capitán Blood
Capitán Blood Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Capitán Blood, 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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