FRANCIS - Mar del Plata

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.

Location
Mar del Plata, Argentina, South America
Coordinates
-34.608326, -58.144276
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

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 FRANCIS

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 FRANCIS

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