HERLILLE - Cape Town & Western Cape

The HERLILLE, a fishing trawler that went down off Slangkop in '78, is a deep dive, sitting around 50 metres. That depth alone means it’s not for everyone – you need the right training and comfort level. But if you’ve got that, what awaits is a seriously atmospheric wreck. We love how the hull is pretty much intact, resting upright on the seabed. You can see the superstructure, even some of the fishing gear, all slowly being reclaimed by the ocean. Swimming along the deck, you’ll spot a surprising amount of soft coral growing on the metal, little bursts of colour in the deep blue. Our favourite part is peeking into the wheelhouse, imagining the last moments before she went down in those heavy seas. Look for the schools of hottentot darting in and out of the darker corners, and the occasional shy octopus tucked away in a crevice. It’s a dive that really makes you feel the history, a quiet, respectful experience with a genuine sense of solitude. Go on a calm day, it makes the descent and ascent a lot more comfortable.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.033333, 18.283333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
51m

Marine Protected Area: Duikerklip 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 HERLILLE

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 HERLILLE

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