FRANCIS
Why dive here
With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - FRANCIS offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
Francis isn't a deep dive, that's for sure, topping out at a paltry 5m. But what it lacks in depth, it makes up for in character. We love this old fishing trawler, sunk deliberately in 1978. It’s pretty broken up now, scattered across the sandy bottom, which we think just adds to its charm. You’ll find pieces of the hull, some machinery, and a prop shaft, all crusted over with bright orange and yellow sponges. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, sometimes twenty feet, sometimes five. We’d suggest going on a calm day, definitely, and preferably at high tide to avoid stirred-up sediment. What you're really looking for are the fish. Schools of silversides dart in and out of the metalwork, and the blennies peer out from every crevice. We’ve often seen big spider crabs scuttling across the seabed here, and occasionally an octopus tucked away in a shadowy corner. It's a proper playground for macro life, perfect for photographers wanting to slow down and find the small stuff. It’s a gentle, easy dive, good for new divers or anyone who fancies a relaxed potter around a piece of history.
Typical FRANCIS 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.
Nearest Dive Centres to FRANCIS
Dive shops near FRANCIS
BUCEO YAMANA
Argentina YMCA
CENTRO BUCEO SUR
La Casa del Buceador
Mermaid World
Mermaid Paradise and Freediving
Reviews for FRANCIS
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for FRANCIS
FRANCIS Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for FRANCIS, 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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