ALCESTIS - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Alcestis isn't your average Cape Town wreck, and that's exactly why we love it. Forget the kelp forests and the chilly Atlantic; this steamship sits on the Agulhas Bank, offering a completely different vibe, warmer water, and an Indian Ocean feel. You’re looking at a deeper dive, hitting 31 metres, so it’s one for the experienced wreck enthusiasts. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer scale. She’s broken, yes, but recognisable as a substantial vessel. We always spend time exploring the boilers, enormous and almost completely encrusted now. Visibility here can be a bit variable; we’ve had days where it’s a stunning 20 metres, and others where it’s more like 8, so pick your day carefully. What makes this site special is the life: big shoals of red roman and hottentot dart through the structure, and we’ve spotted ragged-tooth sharks cruising by on a few occasions. The Alcestis is a proper expedition, a long boat ride out, but if you’re keen on a proper deep wreck dive with a hint of the wild Agulhas currents, this one’s a firm favourite.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.843056, 19.850000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
31m

Wreck History - ALCESTIS

Year Sunk
1892
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

In 1892, the steamship Alcestis was on a long passage to Mauritius when she met a sudden and violent end. Navigating the infamous waters off Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa known to sailors as the "Cape of Storms," the vessel struck a submerged object. Whether it was an uncharted rock or, as some records suggest, the wreck of a previous maritime victim, the impact was fatal. The Alcestis foundered, sinking to the seabed and becoming another permanent resident of one of the world's most notorious shipping graveyards.

Today, the Alcestis rests at a depth of 31 metres, offering a compelling dive for advanced recreational divers. The wreck lies in an area known for strong currents and challenging conditions, but the reward is a visit to a well-preserved piece of late 19th-century maritime history. Divers can explore the ship's structure, imagining its final moments in the turbulent waters above. The wreck is home to a rich diversity of marine life typical of the Western Cape, with colourful anemones, sea fans, and schools of fish creating a vibrant tableau against the backdrop of the rusting hull.

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 ALCESTIS

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 ALCESTIS

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