GWENOLA - Cape Town & Western Cape

The *Gwenola* sits upright on the seabed, a fishing trawler that met its end during a storm in 1978. It's now completely encrusted, a testament to the Cape's nutrient-rich waters. We love how the structure feels alive, constantly moving with the surge, especially on a day when the southwest swells are running. You’ll find the wheelhouse still largely intact, a dark maw inviting exploration, though we always recommend a good light and plenty of caution for penetration. What makes the *Gwenola* a standout for us isn't just the history, it’s the sheer number of shy sharks you'll spot tucked into every nook and cranny. Look closely under the plates, inside the holds, even amongst the remnants of the fishing gear. They’re everywhere, often resting in piles. We’ve also seen some impressive congregations of hottentot and strepies schooling around the mast, flashing silver as they catch the light. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, sometimes twenty metres, sometimes five, but even on a greener day, the wreck looms out of the murk with a real sense of drama. Best dived on a calmer morning, before the wind picks up. It’s a rewarding dive for those comfortable with deeper wrecks and keen-eyed for marine life.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.863335, 19.975000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
23m

Marine Protected Area: Quoin Rock Provincial Nature Reserve

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 GWENOLA

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 GWENOLA

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