GLADIATOR
Protected Area
Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary Marine Protected Area
Why dive here
With 269+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales and great white sharks - GLADIATOR offers some of Cape Town & Western Cape's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 14-16°C, warmest February, March, April.
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.
Typical GLADIATOR Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 15°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for GLADIATOR
GLADIATOR Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for GLADIATOR, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-33.92, 18.46) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
15°C
59°F · Range: 12.4–17.2°C
Air Temperature
17°C
62°F
Wind Speed
7.33 m/s
14.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1018.1 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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