Fragata Presidente Sarmiento - Mar del Plata

The Fragata Presidente Sarmiento wreck in Mar del Plata isn't a deep dive, sitting at a maximum of six metres, but that shallow depth doesn’t make it any less compelling. This old training ship, scuttled intentionally in 1938, offers a surprisingly rich experience. We love exploring the bow section, still largely intact, where the anchor chain sprawls across the sandy bottom. You can feel the history here, tracing the lines of the hull and imagining the cadets who once trained on her decks. Visibility can be a bit variable in Mar del Plata, but even on an average day, the wreck's dark, shadowy structure offers great contrast. Look closely for the small stuff: we’ve found schools of silversides darting in and out of the portholes and plenty of nudibranchs clinging to the metal plating. The resident crabs here are also a highlight, often scuttling across the deck plates. It's an excellent site for newer wreck divers or those looking for a relaxed photo opportunity without the demands of a deep penetration. Our favourite time to dive it is mid-morning, just after the sun has climbed high enough to really illuminate the deck.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.666523, -57.782757
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

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 Fragata Presidente Sarmiento

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 Fragata Presidente Sarmiento

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