ATHENS - Cape Town & Western Cape

Diving the *Athens* is less about depth and more about history. You’re essentially snorkelling a time capsule here, just off the shore at Green Point. The wreck itself, a steamship that went down in 1865, sits in just two metres of water. We love the sheer accessibility; it’s perfect for a calm day when you want a casual dip with a story attached. What you'll see are the scattered remains of the hull, mostly ribbed metalwork and plating, now thoroughly encrusted. Schools of hottentot dart in and out of the skeletal frames, and we’ve spotted small octopuses tucked into crevices among the plates. The beauty is in imagining the ship’s past, the journey it made, while the cool Atlantic water washes over you. It's a fantastic spot for snorkelers, freedivers, or even just a calm surface swim, especially if you’re looking for a quick, interesting dip without the full scuba kit. Our tip? Go at high tide on a sunny day; the light penetration really makes the old iron glow.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.897500, 18.409445
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ATHENS

Year Sunk
1865
Vessel Type
passenger ship
Cause
storm
Tonnage
739 GRT

The RMS Athens was a sturdy iron-hulled screw steamer built in 1856, serving the Union Line's mail route between Southampton and Cape Town. She was a workhorse of the early steamship era, bridging continents for nearly a decade. Her final voyage ended in one of the most infamous maritime disasters in South African history.

On the evening of May 16, 1865, a ferocious north-westerly gale struck Table Bay, driving ships from their anchors. The Athens fought the storm valiantly, her engines at full power, but the anchor chains snapped one by one. Helpless against the immense waves, she was driven ashore near Mouille Point and battered to pieces by the surf, with the loss of all 29 people on board. She was one of over 15 ships wrecked in the 'Great Gale of 1865'.

Resting in just 2 metres of water, the remains of the Athens are now scattered and flattened by more than a century of relentless wave action. While not a traditional wreck dive, the site is an excellent shore dive or snorkel. Divers can explore the ship's flattened hull plates, ribs, and the distinctive block of her engine, a tangible link to a dramatic night in Cape Town's maritime past.

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 ATHENS

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 ATHENS

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 are the typical depths for scuba diving sites around Athens?
The Athens dive site itself is quite shallow, with a typical depth of 2 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive, allowing for extended bottom times. While this specific site is shallow, depths for other dive sites in Cape Town & Western Cape can vary.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can I expect to see when diving in Athens?
When diving at Athens, your primary attraction will be the historic steam ship vessel itself. This impressive wreck, built in 1856 and sunk on May 16, 1865, measures 68.3m x 9.1m and is classified as a wreck showing portions of its hull or superstructure. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks commonly serve as artificial reefs, attracting various local species.
How challenging is scuba diving in Athens, and are there options for beginners?
Scuba diving at the Athens wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While its shallow depth of 2 meters might suggest ease, the nature of wreck diving often requires specific skills and experience. Beginners might find it challenging, and it is recommended to have appropriate training and guidance for wreck exploration.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Athens for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the Athens dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. For general information on when to dive in South Africa, you can visit our When to Dive section. We recommend checking local conditions closer to your planned dive date for the Cape Town & Western Cape region.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at sites near Athens?
While the Athens dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided information. Generally, for intermediate wreck dives, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or a specialty Wreck Diver certification is often recommended. It's always best to consult with local dive operators in Cape Town & Western Cape regarding their specific requirements for diving this site.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at Athens dive sites?
The provided data for the Athens dive site does not include specific details about typical water conditions or currents. Divers should always be prepared for varying conditions, especially when diving wrecks. We advise checking current local reports and consulting with dive centers in Cape Town & Western Cape before planning your dive to the Athens wreck.