L. M. GEMSBOK - Cape Town & Western Cape

The L. M. Gemsbok is one of our favourite deep wrecks in False Bay, a real beauty that’s often overlooked. Dropping down to 50 metres, it’s definitely one for the experienced trimix crowd, but the rewards are substantial. The Gemsbok sits upright, mostly intact, an impressive steel hulk that makes you feel tiny against its scale. We love tracing the deck, imagining the chaos that capsized her back in ‘75 while she was loading anchor and cable. What really sells the Gemsbok for us is the atmosphere; the depth gives it a serene, almost ghostly feel. Visibility can be epic here, 20 metres isn't uncommon, letting you appreciate the sheer size of the vessel. Keep an eye out for the shy reef sharks that patrol the stern and the occasional kingklip poking out from a dark corner. Penetration is possible for trained wreck divers, with some interesting machinery still visible in the engine room. It’s a proper dive, one that stays with you long after the deco stops are done.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.882500, 18.342500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Marine Protected Area: Robben island 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 L. M. GEMSBOK

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 L. M. GEMSBOK

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