CLAN STUART - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Clan Stuart wreck is one of our favourite shore dives in Simon's Town, especially on a calm day. She’s an old steamship, almost completely broken up, but that’s precisely her charm. You’ll find her bones scattered across the sandy bottom at a shallow 6 metres, often less depending on the tide. We love kicking out to see the bow section, still quite intact and draped in the frilly white blooms of dead man’s fingers. It's a fantastic site for new divers and macro enthusiasts. You’ll spend most of your time exploring the nooks and crannies where shy pajama sharks often hide, or spotting tiny nudibranchs inching across the rusty plating. Visibility can range from a murky 3 metres to a sparkling 10 metres, so we always check the forecast for a southerly wind, which usually brings clearer water. Look for the engine block, a big, hulking mass now a busy apartment block for countless colourful sea anemones. Even if the visibility isn’t perfect, the sheer amount of life packed into this shallow wreck makes it a truly engaging dive.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.171390, 18.431389
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

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 CLAN STUART

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 CLAN STUART

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 is the maximum depth for diving the Clan Stuart wreck?
The maximum depth for diving the Clan Stuart wreck is 6 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow dive, suitable for extended bottom times and accessible to a wider range of divers.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Clan Stuart dive site?
Divers at the Clan Stuart dive site can explore the remains of a 108.2m x 13.9m carrier vessel, built in 1900 with triple-expansion engines. The wreck is classified as showing any portion of its hull or superstructure, offering interesting structural features to observe. While specific marine life details are not provided in this context, wrecks often attract a variety of local marine species.
How difficult is the Clan Stuart dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Clan Stuart dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While its shallow depth of 6 meters is appealing, the "intermediate" rating suggests it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers without some prior experience or specific guidance. Divers should have appropriate training and comfort level for wreck diving.
When is the best time of year to dive the Clan Stuart for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at the Clan Stuart dive site is not available in the current data. We recommend checking general when to dive resources for the Cape Town & Western Cape region or consulting local dive operators for up-to-date conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the Clan Stuart wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated for the Clan Stuart wreck, its classification as an intermediate wreck dive implies that an Advanced Open Water certification or a Wreck Diver specialty certification would be highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary skills and experience to safely navigate and explore wreck environments.
What are the typical currents, surge, and visibility conditions like at the Clan Stuart dive site?
Details regarding typical currents, surge, and visibility conditions at the Clan Stuart dive site are not provided in the available data. For the most current information on these environmental factors, it is always best to consult local dive centers in the Cape Town & Western Cape area before planning your dive.