CARLOTA F.
Why dive here
With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - CARLOTA F. offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
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.
Typical CARLOTA F. 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.
CARLOTA F. Wreck History
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to CARLOTA F.
Dive shops near CARLOTA F.
CEB Escuela de Buceo
Diving Center - Centro Integral de Buceo
Aquabaires Buceo
IN ACQUA BUCEO
Baires Buceo
ACUATIKOS
Reviews for CARLOTA F.
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for CARLOTA F.
CARLOTA F. Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for CARLOTA F., sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
14°C
56°F · Range: 11.1–16.9°C
Current Speed
2.83 cm/s
Direction: SE (135°)
Salinity
0 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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