CARAYA - Mar del Plata

The *Caraya* is one of those shallow wrecks we always make time for when we're in Mar del Plata. It’s an old fishing trawler, sunk close to shore, sitting upright in about four metres of water. We love that it’s so accessible, perfect for a long, relaxed dive or even multiple dives if you’re keen on photography. You’ll spend most of your time exploring the deck and superstructure, which is surprisingly intact, considering the strong currents this area often sees. What makes the *Caraya* special for us isn't just the wreck itself, but how nature has completely taken over. The metal framework is thick with anemones and sponges, creating these vivid patches of colour against the rusted steel. Look closely, and you'll spot plenty of blennies darting in and out of crevices, and we’ve often seen small schools of silversides shimmering around the mast. It’s a fantastic site for anyone who enjoys macro photography or just wants a leisurely dive with interesting structures to explore. We’d suggest going at high tide for the best visibility; it can get a bit stirred up otherwise.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.541317, -57.961884
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Wreck History - CARAYA

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

Lying in just 4 metres of water near the bustling port of Mar del Plata, the wreck known as the Caraya is a shallow but challenging site. Little is known about this vessel's history or how it met its end, but its classification as a 'dangerous wreck' gives divers a clue as to its condition. The structure is heavily broken and scattered, with sharp, twisted metal presenting a potential hazard. Due to the extreme shallow depth, the site is highly susceptible to surge and wave action, which can create challenging conditions. On a calm day, it could offer an interesting exploration for snorkelers or novice divers, but caution is paramount around the wreckage.

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 CARAYA

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 CARAYA

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