CYNTHIA - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Cynthia, just outside Granger Bay, offers a chill wreck dive that’s perfect when you want something close to shore. At a shallow 8 metres, it’s a site we often swing by for an easy second dive or when the south-easter is blowing. She was a tug that sank at anchor, and you can still make out the superstructure – the bridge area is especially cool to poke around. What we really love about the Cynthia is how much life has moved in. The deck is carpeted in soft corals, and there are always plenty of shy hottentot and strepies darting between the plates. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for nudibranchs, especially during the spring. It’s a great spot for newer wreck divers to get a feel for penetration, with plenty of light filtering down into the holds. The visibility here can vary a lot, from 5 metres on an average day to 15 metres if you’re lucky, so pick your day. Go on a calm morning, ideally after a few days of no wind, and you’ll find it at its best.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.016666, 17.966667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Marine Protected Area: Marcus Island 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 CYNTHIA

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 CYNTHIA

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