DAEYANG FAMILY - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Daeyang Family isn’t just a big wreck, it’s a proper behemoth, and we love it for its sheer scale. Sunk in 1986 after a fire, this bulk carrier stretches 312 metres along the seabed, completely dwarfing most other wrecks you’ll ever dive. It’s sitting in around 14 metres of water, so it’s accessible to most divers, but don’t expect to cover the whole thing on one tank. The wreck's structure is still largely intact, despite its fiery end and subsequent breaking up. You’ll find massive cargo holds, sections of accommodation blocks, and the bridge, all colonised by South Africa’s vibrant reef life. Schools of hottentot fish swirl through the superstructure, while the steel plates are painted in a living tapestry of colourful anemones and ascidians. Keep an eye out for octopus tucked into crevices and rays gliding over the sandy patches around the hull. Our favourite spot is exploring the immense propellers, usually buzzing with smaller reef fish. It's a dive that truly highlights the power of the ocean to reclaim man-made structures.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.839720, 18.385555
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

Marine Protected Area: Robben 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 DAEYANG FAMILY

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 DAEYANG FAMILY

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