CAPITAN GARFIO - Mar del Plata

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.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.568417, -58.334950
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - CAPITAN GARFIO

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.

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 CAPITAN GARFIO

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 CAPITAN GARFIO

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