CAPITAN GARFIO
Why dive here
With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - CAPITAN GARFIO offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
The *Capitan Garfio* isn't a deep dive, but it's one of Mar del Plata's most characterful. We love this site for its sheer accessibility and the way the wreck has become a living reef. At just three meters, it’s a perfect spot for shaking off the rust after a long winter or for introducing new divers to the magic of wreck diving. You'll find it practically buzzing with activity, especially when the sun is out. The old sailing vessel lies broken, but not beyond recognition. We often spend our time weaving through the remains of the hull, spotting schools of silversides darting in and out of the shadows. There are always blennies peering from crevices and crabs scuttling across the growth-covered timbers. It feels like a shallow treasure hunt, discovering new nooks where the marine life has made a home. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering down, the greens and browns of the wreck come alive. It's a genuinely charming little dive, and we'd suggest bringing a camera – the shallow depth makes for some great light.
Typical CAPITAN GARFIO 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.
CAPITAN GARFIO Wreck History
Year Sunk
1997
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
scuttled
Known affectionately by its Spanish translation, "Captain Hook," the Capitan Garfio is one of Mar del Plata's most accessible and popular wrecks. This small wooden fishing vessel wasn't a victim of a dramatic storm or battle; instead, it was intentionally scuttled in 1997. The local diving community sank the boat specifically to create a new artificial reef and a dedicated training site for new divers, giving the old boat a new purpose beneath the waves.
Resting in just 3 meters of water, the Capitan Garfio is the perfect underwater classroom. Its extreme shallow depth allows for very long, safe dives, making it an ideal location for checkout dives, buoyancy practice, and first-time night dives. Although the years have broken the structure apart, the main shape of the vessel is still recognizable. The wreckage has blossomed into a micro-ecosystem, providing a home for crabs, anemones, and small fish, offering a fascinating introduction to the world of wreck diving for divers of all levels.
Nearest Dive Centres to CAPITAN GARFIO
Dive shops near CAPITAN GARFIO
Argentina YMCA
CENTRO BUCEO SUR
La Casa del Buceador
Mermaid Paradise and Freediving
Sea Divers
OKI-PIOKI DIVERS
Reviews for CAPITAN GARFIO
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for CAPITAN GARFIO
CAPITAN GARFIO Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for CAPITAN GARFIO, 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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