CILICIA - Cape Town & Western Cape

The CILICIA is one for the deep wreck fanatics, a proper historical adventure at 60 metres off Dassen Island. We're talking a WWI collier, torpedoed in 1917, and now she lies in a pretty dramatic spot. Dropping down, you feel the chill of the deep, then the silhouette of the ship starts to emerge from the gloom. It’s a huge, sprawling wreck, really broken up in places, but you can still make out the bow, a massive anchor chain draped over the side, and sections of her holds. We love the sheer scale of the CILICIA; she feels ancient and powerful, a real journey into the past. Visibility can be a bit hit or miss out here, so pick your day carefully, ideally after a few days of calm seas. Even with moderate vis, the atmosphere is incredible. Schools of hottentot dart through the superstructure, and we’ve seen some enormous west coast rock lobsters tucked into the darker recesses. It’s not a dive for the inexperienced, obviously, but if you're comfortable at depth and looking for a wreck with serious character, the CILICIA delivers. Expect a long deco, and bring your strongest torch.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-32.516666, 18.091110
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

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 CILICIA

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 CILICIA

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