Capri I - Mar del Plata

Capri I is one of those wrecks that just draws you in. Lying at a shallow 15 metres, it’s a brilliant introduction to wreck diving, but don’t let the depth fool you into thinking it's simple. This isn't a museum piece; the wreck is in a state of advanced decay, giving it a truly ominous feel. We love how the hull plates have buckled and twisted over time, creating a maze of jagged metal, home to some seriously chunky spider crabs and rockfish. The main draw here is the navigation around the structure. Visibility can be a bit hit or miss, typical of the Atlantic coast, so we always suggest checking local conditions before you head out. When it’s good, you can make out the full silhouette, a dark shape against the green water. We’ve had some memorable encounters with congrio eels peeking out from behind collapsed bulkheads. It’s a site for divers who appreciate the raw power of the ocean claiming back its own, rather than a pristine reef. Come for the atmosphere, stay for the crabs.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-33.878334, -58.431667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Wreck History - Capri I

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
storm

The Capri I is a classic dive in the underwater park of Mar del Plata, a testament to the power of the South Atlantic. This small local fishing vessel, like many before it, was caught in one of the region's notoriously sudden and violent storms. Overwhelmed by massive waves and powerful winds, the boat foundered and sank sometime in the 1990s. It now lies on the sandy bottom, a permanent memorial to the unforgiving nature of the sea and a popular site for local divers.

Resting at a comfortable depth of 15 meters, the Capri I is an excellent dive for Open Water certified divers looking to experience one of their first true shipwrecks. The forces that sank the vessel and the subsequent years on the seabed have left the wreck significantly broken up, but this has created a complex and fascinating artificial reef. Divers can explore the scattered remains of the hull and machinery, which now provide shelter for a diverse array of local marine life. It's common to find sea salmon (chernia), bream, and numerous invertebrates making their home among the wreckage, ensuring a lively and interesting dive.

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 Capri I

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 Capri I

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