Ammunition Barges - Cape Town & Western Cape

Alright, let's talk about the Ammunition Barges. If you’re in False Bay and looking for a dive that’s a bit different, a bit eerie, this is one of our favourites. It’s not deep, just 9 metres, which makes for a lovely long bottom time, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's simple. You’ve got two steel barges, mostly broken up now, lying side-by-side on a flat sandy bottom. What we love here is the sheer density of life that has moved in. These wrecks, even in their fragmented state, are magnets. Expect to duck your head through schools of hottentot and strepies that swirl around the remains of the hulls. We've often found shy sharks tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you pass. The light here can be incredible, especially on a sunny day, filtering down through the kelp (if it's in season) and illuminating the metalwork. The atmosphere is definitely one of gentle decay; you can still make out the ribs of the barges, sections of plating, but they’re completely encrusted with sponges and soft corals. It's an easy dive for anyone comfortable in open water, and a fantastic site for photographers keen on marine macro life or moody wreck shots. Just keep an eye on the surge; it can get a bit bouncy if the south-easterly is up.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.190140, 18.449750
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Wreck History - Ammunition Barges

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
scuttled

During both World Wars, steel shortages led to the innovative construction of concrete-hulled vessels. These two barges near Cape Town are fascinating relics of that era, likely used during WWII to transport ammunition and supplies to naval ships anchored in the bay. After the war, with their purpose served, they were deliberately sunk or scuttled, joining a collection of other vessels in the area to form artificial reefs. Their simple, utilitarian design speaks to a period of wartime urgency and ingenuity.

Lying in just 9 meters of water, the Ammunition Barges are an exceptionally accessible dive site, perfect for novice divers, photographers, and those looking for a long, relaxed bottom time. The two 20-meter-long wrecks rest on a sandy bottom, their blocky, concrete forms creating an unusual underwater playground. The shallow depth allows for ample sunlight, illuminating the kelp and colorful invertebrates that have colonized the structures. Divers can easily explore the open holds and swim through the simple frameworks, often encountering the rich marine life of False Bay, including shy sharks, nudibranchs, and schools of small fish that use the barges for shelter.

Marine Protected Area: Table Mountain National Park 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 Ammunition Barges

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 Ammunition Barges

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 the Ammunition Barges dive site?
The Ammunition Barges dive site is typically found at a depth of 9 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers, offering a comfortable experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Ammunition Barges?
Divers exploring the Ammunition Barges can expect to encounter two small, steel barge wrecks, each approximately 20 meters long. While largely broken up, sections of hull side plating and frames are still standing, offering interesting features to explore. The surrounding area features a flat sand bottom with occasional low outcrops of granite reef.
How challenging is diving the Ammunition Barges, and are there any specific safety concerns regarding unexploded ordnance?
Diving the Ammunition Barges is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. Regarding safety concerns about unexploded ordnance, the provided data does not mention any such risks or specific warnings for this site. Divers should always follow local dive operator guidelines and safety briefings.
When is the best time of year or what are the ideal weather and sea conditions to dive the Ammunition Barges?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or ideal weather and sea conditions for diving the Ammunition Barges. For optimal diving experiences in Cape Town & Western Cape, it's always best to consult local dive operators or refer to general when-to-dive resources for the region.
What diving certifications are typically required or recommended to dive the Ammunition Barges?
Given that the Ammunition Barges dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, divers should possess appropriate certification and experience for such conditions. While specific certification requirements are not detailed, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally recommended for intermediate dives to ensure proper skill and comfort levels.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Ammunition Barges dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual current conditions or visibility at the Ammunition Barges dive site. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive centers in Cape Town & Western Cape for up-to-date conditions before diving.