Capri I

Best months: Jan–Mar

Why dive here

With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - Capri I offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.

Best timeJan–Mar

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeSperm Whales · 33+ species recorded

Water10-21°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 15m

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.

Typical Capri I 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.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today05:1918:0312h 44m daylightGolden hour 17:30

Capri I Wreck History

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.

Reviews for Capri I

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Capri I

Capri I Ocean Conditions

Monthly averages for Capri I, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)