GLADIATOR - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Gladiator, a fishing trawler that went down in 1976, is one of those sites that just feels right for a quick dip when the conditions are good. At a mere 4 metres deep, it’s not going to test your deco limits, but it’s an absolute stunner on a sunny day. We love how the light plays through the kelp, dappling the deck and illuminating the nooks and crannies where the fish hide. You’re practically guaranteed to spot a few shy shy sharks tucked under the wreckage, and the colourful nudibranchs are always a treat. We’d suggest heading out here when the westerly winds have died down and the ocean has a chance to calm. The visibility can vary, but when it’s good, the Gladiator transforms into this vibrant, living reef. The wreck itself is quite broken up now, but you can still make out the general shape, and it’s become a fantastic artificial reef. It’s a great spot for newer divers to get comfortable around a wreck, or for experienced eyes just looking for a relaxed, beautiful dive. Keep an eye out for the octopus; they’re often camouflaged so well you might swim right past them.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.600000, 19.325000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Marine Protected Area: Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary 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 GLADIATOR

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 GLADIATOR

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