Clan Stuart Wreck - Cape Town & Western Cape

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.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.183315, 18.426008
Type
wreck

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 Wreck

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 Wreck

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