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Fragata Presidente Sarmiento

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.