BELLE-THERESA - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Belle-Theresa isn't a deep dive, sitting at a maximum of 7m, but it’s a brilliant wreck for a long, relaxed exploration. This 25m fishing vessel caught fire and eventually drifted ashore near St Helena Bay back in '77. What we love about it is how accessible it is; you can spend ages pottering around the remains of the wheelhouse and engine room. It’s pretty broken up in places, but the ribs of the hull still offer plenty of shelter for shy critters. We’ve found schools of hottentot fish hanging around the deeper sections, and if you look closely, there are often juvenile stonefish camouflaged against the rust. Keep an eye out for colourful nudibranchs clinging to the kelp that has started to colonise the metal. The Belle-Theresa is a top pick for newer wreck divers or anyone who just fancies a leisurely, shallow dive with some history. It’s also our favourite spot for photographers looking to capture the interplay of light and shadow through the wreck’s skeleton.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-32.583332, 18.300000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Wreck History - BELLE-THERESA

Year Sunk
1977
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
fire

The Belle-Theresa was a modern fishing vessel built in 1967. Her working life came to an abrupt end on April 18, 1977, when a fire broke out on board. The crew, unable to control the blaze, were forced to abandon their ship off Elands Bay on South Africa's Western Cape. Now a ghost ship, the burnt-out hull of the Belle-Theresa drifted at the mercy of the currents until it finally ran ashore near St Helena Bay, where it sank in the shallows.

Sitting in just 7 metres of water, the Belle-Theresa is a shallow and engaging dive site. Its position close to shore means it has been subject to years of wave action, leaving the wreck significantly broken up. However, the scattered remains of the steel hull and machinery provide an excellent artificial reef structure in an area known for its rich marine biodiversity. Divers can expect to find a host of local sea life sheltering in the wreckage, from small fish and shy sharks to colourful nudibranchs. Its shallow depth makes it an ideal spot for novice divers, underwater photographers, or a relaxing final dive of the day.

Marine Protected Area: Rocher Pan 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 BELLE-THERESA

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 BELLE-THERESA

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