KATSUEI MARU NO 58 - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Katsuei Maru No 58 isn't your typical deep wreck dive. This is a shipwreck for the snorkellers, the freedivers, or anyone who just wants to wade out and have a look. She ran aground near Quoin Point in 1984, an old fishing vessel, and now sits in less than two metres of water, often with her superstructure poking out above the waves. We love sites like this because they show you what happens when the sea reclaims something. You'll find her hull completely broken up, strewn across the rocks. It’s a proper scattering of metal, not a neat, intact wreck, but that’s its charm. Crabs scuttle through the twisted plates, and we often spot small schooling fish darting between the rusty frames. On a calm day, the sun filters through the shallow water, illuminating the colours of the kelp and barnacles that have made the Katsuei Maru their home. It's a surprisingly active little ecosystem, even with so much of it exposed to the elements. Our best tip? Go at low tide for the clearest view and easiest access.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.791668, 19.733334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Quoin Rock 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 KATSUEI MARU NO 58

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 KATSUEI MARU NO 58

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