ALBACORE - Cape Town & Western Cape

Albacore is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. She’s not massive, just 26.5m, a fishing trawler scuttled in 1975 off Green Point after springing a leak at the coal jetty. We love that backstory. The real draw here is the depth, sitting at 60m, making it a serious technical dive. Dropping down, you feel the chill of the Atlantic bite, even on a sunny day. The visibility can be temperamental, but when it’s good, the wreck appears out of the gloom, draped in anemones and sponges. What you'll find is a wreck that’s been thoroughly salvaged, with her 360hp engine long gone, but that only adds to her character. We find the stripped-down hull fascinating; you can really appreciate her skeleton. Look closely, and you’ll spot shy reef fish darting in and out of the plating and the occasional shy dogfish tucked away. It's a beautiful, challenging dive for experienced tech divers who appreciate a wreck with a story, and aren't afraid of the deep.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.866665, 18.316668
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Wreck History - ALBACORE

Year Sunk
1975
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
scuttled

The Albacore was a local Cape Town fishing vessel whose working days had come to an end. After sitting idle for three years, her aging wooden hull finally gave way in June 1975, springing a leak while she was moored alongside the coal jetty. With the vessel beyond saving, a decision was made to give her a burial at sea. Her 360hp engine was salvaged, and the old fishing boat was towed out from shore and deliberately scuttled off Green Point.

Lying at a depth of 60 meters, the Albacore is now a premier technical dive site for experienced trimix divers. The deep, cold, and often current-swept waters of the Atlantic make this a challenging dive that requires meticulous planning. For those qualified to make the descent, the reward is the sight of a largely intact fishing vessel, sitting upright on the seabed. She serves as a deep artificial reef, attracting marine life and offering a silent tribute to Cape Town's long-standing fishing heritage.

Marine Protected Area: Robben island Marine Protected Area

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 ALBACORE

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 ALBACORE

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 'ALBACORE' dive site?
The ALBACORE dive site is located at a significant depth of 60 meters. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience in advanced diving techniques.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at 'ALBACORE'?
The ALBACORE is a fascinating wreck dive, consisting of a fishing vessel that sank on June 22, 1975. Divers can explore the remains of this 26.5m x 6.7m vessel, which was scuttled off Green Point. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks typically attract various reef fish and invertebrates over time, creating artificial reefs.
How difficult is the 'ALBACORE' dive site, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The ALBACORE dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its depth of 60 meters, it is best suited for experienced divers with advanced certifications rather than beginners. Divers should possess the necessary training for deep diving and wreck exploration.
What is the best time of year to dive at 'ALBACORE' for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at the ALBACORE for optimal conditions or marine encounters. We recommend consulting local dive operators in Cape Town & Western Cape for up-to-date seasonal information.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or recommended for diving at 'ALBACORE'?
Given the ALBACORE's depth of 60 meters and intermediate difficulty rating, advanced diving certifications are highly recommended. Divers should have training in deep diving and potentially wreck diving specialties to safely explore this site. Always ensure you are properly certified and equipped for such challenging dives.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the 'ALBACORE' dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at the ALBACORE dive site. For the most current and accurate details on these factors, it is advisable to contact local dive centers in Cape Town & Western Cape.