HADDON HALL - Cape Town & Western Cape

Haddon Hall is one of our favourite shallow wrecks, especially for a relaxed dive when the wind plays ball. It’s barely 5 metres deep but there’s so much ship to see. Built in 1895, this old carrier came to rest off Saldanha Bay in 1913, and what’s left of her hull and superstructure is now an open invitation for exploration. We love finning slowly over the scattered plates, imagining the scale of a ship nearly 116 metres long. You can weave between the ribs, which feel like walking through the skeleton of a giant sea beast. This shallow depth means excellent light penetration on a sunny day. The visibility can be hit or miss in the Western Cape, but when it's good here, the light makes the whole wreck glow. Look closely and you’ll find small octopuses tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you. Schools of juvenile fish often hover around the larger metal structures, darting in and out of the shade. This is a perfect site for newer divers or those who just want to spend an hour poking around a proper old wreck without the challenges of depth or current. It's a proper historical site, easy to get to, and always delivers a solid dive.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-32.993332, 17.868334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Malgas 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 HADDON HALL

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 HADDON HALL

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Haddon Hall?
The Haddon Hall dive site offers a shallow experience, with a typical depth of 5 meters. This makes it accessible for divers looking for a relatively shallow wreck exploration in Cape Town & Western Cape.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Haddon Hall?
Divers visiting Haddon Hall can expect to explore the remains of a historic carrier vessel, which was sunk on February 1, 1913. The site is classified as a wreck showing any portion of its hull or superstructure, offering fascinating underwater features from its 115.8m x 13.8m dimensions. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is diving at Haddon Hall, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Haddon Hall is classified as intermediate difficulty. While the depth is shallow at 5 meters, its classification as intermediate suggests it may not be ideal for absolute beginners without proper guidance or experience. Divers should have a comfort level with wreck diving or similar conditions.
What are the best times of year to dive at Haddon Hall for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year for optimal diving conditions at Haddon Hall. For general guidance on seasonal conditions in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section for South Africa.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Haddon Hall?
The provided data does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at Haddon Hall. Given its intermediate difficulty, it is generally recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, especially for wreck diving. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements.
What are the usual currents and visibility conditions like at the Haddon Hall dive site?
The available data for Haddon Hall does not include details on usual currents or visibility conditions. These factors can vary significantly based on weather and local marine conditions. It's always advisable to consult with local dive centers in Cape Town & Western Cape for the most up-to-date information before planning your dive.