GOEL NO.1 - Cape Town & Western Cape

The GOEL NO.1 is one of those easy-access wrecks we always circle back to, especially when the southeasterly winds are kicking up a fuss elsewhere. It sits in a paltry 3 metres of water, so it’s less of a dive and more of a snorkel, but don’t let that deter you. We love just how much of the old fishing vessel is still there, scattered across the sand. You can trace the deck plates, the ribs of the hull, and even some of the engine components, all encrusted with sea anemones and the occasional nudibranch. Visibility can be a bit variable here, depending on surge, but on a calm day, it’s remarkably clear. We’ve spent hours just drifting over the debris field, watching schools of juvenile hottentot dart through the metalwork and octopuses peek out from under sections of twisted steel. It's a fantastic spot for photographers looking for interesting light and shallow wreck details. Our tip: go on a rising tide for the calmest conditions and best light penetration, and keep an eye out for the shy klipfish hiding amongst the rust. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon with a camera.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.820835, 18.376667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

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 GOEL NO.1

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 GOEL NO.1

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