KATSU MARU NO 25 - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Katsu Maru No 25 is a real treat, especially if you’re into the historical side of wreck diving. We love that it's a wreck with a story; a fishing vessel that capsized after a collision in 1978, then was refloated, only to sink again in Hout Bay. That makes for some interesting exploration down at 25 metres. Dropping down onto her, you’ll find her mostly intact, lying on her port side. The wheelhouse is still recognisable, a ghost of its working days, and we always find ourselves drawn to peer through the windows, imagining the frantic scene back in ‘78. Visibility can be a bit variable here, but on a good day, the light penetrates enough to illuminate the thick kelp swaying around her superstructure, creating these dramatic shadows. We've seen some impressive schools of juvenile hottentot hanging around the deeper sections of the wreck, and crayfish are often tucked into any available crevice. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, perfect for those who like to combine a bit of history with their marine life spotting.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.065000, 18.349445
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

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 KATSU MARU NO 25

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 KATSU MARU NO 25

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