wreck

Log This Dive

Clan Stuart Wreck

The Clan Stuart, a steamship that ran aground in 1914, sits just offshore at Simon's Town, a really accessible shore dive. We love this site because it’s surprisingly shallow, with the stern just breaking the surface at low tide, making it a great option when the wind picks up and other sites are blown out. You can walk straight in from the beach, gear up by your car, and often have the place to yourselves. Descend into the kelp forest that starts right at the water’s edge, then navigate towards the darker shapes of the wreck. What we find most striking are the huge boiler and engine block, both well preserved and now home to a resident population of shy pyjama sharks. Poke around the nooks and crannies and you’ll spot pipefish hiding amongst the rust, and often a few colourful nudibranchs clinging to the metal. The visibility here can be hit or miss, typical for False Bay, but on a good day, with a bit of sunlight, the filtered light through the kelp and across the wreck is quite beautiful. It’s perfect for a relaxed second dive, or for newer divers looking for their first true wreck experience.