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