CARLOTA F. - Mar del Plata

The Carlota F., sitting in just three meters of water, is a proper anomaly. It’s a wreck dive, no doubt, but one you can practically snorkel. We'd suggest you grab a mask, fins, and a wetsuit, then just spend a good long time exploring her. This isn't about penetration or depth, it’s about history and what the ocean does to metal over decades. You’re exploring an old fishing trawler, sunk after a fierce storm in 1980. The hull is still surprisingly intact, especially the stern, which is our favourite part. It’s a riot of colour down there, with anemones and mussels clinging to every surface. You'll see schools of silversides darting in and out of the rusted portholes, and the occasional spider crab scuttling across the deck. Sunlight filters through the shallow water, illuminating the wreck in a way that deeper sites just can't match. We love that it’s accessible to just about anyone, a perfect spot for photographers or anyone keen on a relaxed, historical dive. Just pick a calm day; even a little swell can kick up the sand.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.350000, -58.533333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - CARLOTA F.

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

The Carlota F. lies in the shallow coastal waters off Mar del Plata, a major fishing port in Argentina. While the specific history of its sinking is not widely documented, it was almost certainly a local fishing vessel that met its end near its home port, likely due to a storm, grounding, or mechanical failure. Resting in just 3 meters of water, its 'dangerous wreck' classification means it presents a navigational hazard, with jagged metal likely lurking just beneath the surface.

For divers and snorkelers, the Carlota F. is an extremely accessible site. Its shallow depth allows for long, relaxed exploration under natural light. Although likely broken up by years of wave action, the remaining structure acts as an artificial reef. It provides a crucial habitat for juvenile fish and a home for crabs, sea stars, and other invertebrates, offering a fascinating glimpse into how nature reclaims man-made objects in the busy maritime environment of the Argentinian coast.

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 CARLOTA F.

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 CARLOTA F.

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