L. M. GEMSBOK
Protected Area
Robben island Marine Protected Area
Why dive here
With 269+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales and great white sharks - L. M. GEMSBOK offers some of Cape Town & Western Cape's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 14-16°C, warmest February, March, April.
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.
Typical L. M. GEMSBOK Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 50m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 15°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to L. M. GEMSBOK
Dive shops near L. M. GEMSBOK
Into the Blue Scuba
Two Oceans Aquarium
Coral Wetsuits
Dive Action
UCT Underwater Club
University of Cape Town Underwater Club
Reviews for L. M. GEMSBOK
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for L. M. GEMSBOK
L. M. GEMSBOK Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for L. M. GEMSBOK, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-33.92, 18.46) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
15°C
59°F · Range: 12.4–17.2°C
Air Temperature
17°C
62°F
Wind Speed
7.33 m/s
14.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1018.1 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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