wreck

Log This Dive

KAKAPO

The Kakapo, now this is a proper Cape Town classic, and one we find ourselves returning to often. It’s an old steamship, ran aground back in 1900 on her maiden voyage – quite the story, really. What we love about the Kakapo is how accessible it is, sitting in only five metres of water. You can spend ages poking around the scattered plates and twisted metal. The real draw here isn’t necessarily the structure of a complete ship, but the way the ocean has completely reclaimed it. We’ve seen octopuses peeking out from under a broken boiler, and schools of Hottentot fish darting between the ribs of the hull. It’s an easy, relaxed dive, perfect for photographers wanting to capture those moody, kelp-filtered light rays or newer divers getting comfortable with wreck exploration. We’d suggest going on a calm day; even at five metres, a bit of surge can really kick up the sand and drop visibility. Look for the distinct, heavy chain draped over some sections; it’s a good indicator you’re right in the heart of the wreckage.