KAKAPO - Cape Town & Western Cape

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.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.124443, 18.348333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Table Mountain National Park 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 KAKAPO

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 KAKAPO

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 the Kakapo dive site?
The Kakapo dive site is quite shallow, offering an accessible experience for many divers. Divers can expect to explore this historic wreck at a depth of 5 meters. This makes it an interesting site to experience a piece of maritime history in Cape Town & Western Cape.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Kakapo?
The Kakapo is primarily a wreck dive, featuring the remains of a steam ship vessel that sank on May 25, 1900. Divers can explore portions of its hull and superstructure, offering a glimpse into its maiden voyage history. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks typically attract a variety of local fish and invertebrates, making it an interesting site for marine encounters.
How difficult is the Kakapo dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Kakapo dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While its shallow depth of 5 meters might seem appealing, the nature of wreck diving often requires more experience than open water dives. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for absolute beginner divers, but suitable for those with some prior diving experience.
What is the best time of year to dive at Kakapo for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Kakapo for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on diving seasons in the South Africa region, you might consult our When to Dive section. Always check local conditions before planning your dive.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at the Kakapo site?
While no specific certification is explicitly stated, given its intermediate difficulty and classification as a wreck dive, it is generally recommended that divers have at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for safe wreck exploration. Always dive within your certification limits and consider additional equipment or training for wreck diving.
What are the usual currents and water conditions like at the Kakapo dive site?
The provided data mentions that the vessel ran aground in a "fresh NW wind," which indicates potential surface conditions at the time of the wrecking. However, there is no specific information about the usual currents or typical water conditions at the Kakapo dive site itself. Divers should always consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on currents and visibility before planning their dive in Cape Town & Western Cape.