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Ammunition Barges

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.