ADELFOTIS - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Adelfotis, just shy of 90 metres long, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. She’s a steamship, sunk in 1956, and despite the "dangerous wreck" classification, she’s a genuinely approachable dive at 15 metres. We love that you can spend a whole dive just exploring her bones, the triple-expansion engines still impressive even after all these years. The main deck is pretty broken up now, but the bow and stern sections are still distinct. You’ll find plenty of hottentot and strepies darting through the rusted metal, and the occasional shy puffadder shy shark tucked into a crevice. Our favourite detail is the way the light filters through the gaps in the hull, illuminating the clouds of tiny silversides that often hang suspended inside. It's a proper swim-through playground, perfect for divers who appreciate the history and the way the ocean reclaims these structures. Visibility can be a bit variable here, so we always aim for a calm, post-southerly wind day for the best experience.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.795834, 19.641666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Wreck History - ADELFOTIS

Year Sunk
1956
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

The vessel now known as the Adelfotis had a long and varied career before settling on the seabed near Cape Town. Built in 1925 by the New Waterway Shipbuilding Company, she was a classic steamship powered by triple-expansion engines. Over her 31 years of service, she sailed under several names, including Monica Seed, Tovelil, and Ageles, reflecting her changing ownership and routes across the globe.

At the time of her loss on December 30, 1956, she was owned by the Agelef Shipping Company and named Adelfotis. The specific circumstances that led to her sinking are not well-documented, adding a layer of mystery to her story. She went down in the waters off the Western Cape, coming to rest in the shallows where she remains today.

Lying at a maximum depth of just 15 meters, the Adelfotis is a highly accessible and popular wreck dive. Her shallow depth allows for long bottom times and excellent light penetration, making it a superb site for photographers and novice wreck divers. The structure is now a thriving artificial reef, home to a wide array of South Africa's vibrant marine life. Divers can explore the ship's weathered hull and superstructure, which provide shelter for countless fish, crayfish, and colourful invertebrates.

Marine Protected Area: Quoin Rock Provincial Nature Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Cape Town & Western Cape

The warmest water temperatures in Cape Town & Western Cape occur in January, averaging 18.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 18.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 18.9°C (air: 20.8°C)
  • February: 18.9°C (air: 20.7°C)
  • March: 18.9°C (air: 19.5°C)
  • April: 18.9°C (air: 17.3°C)
  • May: 18.9°C (air: 15.8°C)
  • June: 18.9°C (air: 15.0°C)
  • July: 18.9°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 18.9°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • September: 18.9°C (air: 13.9°C)
  • October: 18.9°C (air: 16.5°C)
  • November: 18.9°C (air: 17.8°C)
  • December: 18.9°C (air: 19.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cape Town & Western Cape

Nearest Dive Centres to ADELFOTIS

Marine Life in Cape Town & Western Cape

Home to 271 recorded species including 176 reef fish, 45 sharks & rays, 28 whales & dolphins, 5 hard corals, 4 other, 4 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ADELFOTIS

Based on average water temperature of 18.9°C.

  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the ADELFOTIS dive site?
The ADELFOTIS dive site has a typical depth of 15 meters. This makes it accessible for divers with various certification levels, offering a straightforward exploration of the wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to encounter at ADELFOTIS?
Divers at ADELFOTIS can expect to explore a fascinating underwater feature - a steam ship vessel. This wreck, measuring 88.6m x 13.7m, was sunk on December 30, 1956, and offers a unique historical exploration opportunity. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks often attract diverse ecosystems over time.
How would you rate the difficulty level of diving at ADELFOTIS for beginners versus experienced divers?
The ADELFOTIS dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications. While not ideal for absolute beginners, experienced divers will find it a rewarding exploration.
What is considered the best time of year to dive at ADELFOTIS for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at ADELFOTIS for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Cape Town & Western Cape region, you may consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications or minimum experience required to dive at the ADELFOTIS site?
Given its "intermediate" difficulty rating and classification as a "Dangerous wreck," divers should possess appropriate certifications and experience for wreck diving. While specific certification levels are not detailed, it is recommended that divers have experience beyond basic open water certification to safely explore the ADELFOTIS site.
What are the usual current conditions and underwater visibility like at the ADELFOTIS dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding the usual current conditions or underwater visibility at the ADELFOTIS dive site. Divers are advised to check local dive reports or consult with local dive operators for the most current conditions before planning their dive.