LUSITANIA - Cape Town & Western Cape

The *Lusitania* isn't your average shallow wreck. We often think of Cape Town diving as deep, dark, and demanding, but this one sits in a surprisingly accessible 10 meters, yet still delivers big. We love how the strong Cape currents have shaped it over the decades, ripping away the superstructure to leave a skeleton that’s become a home for so much life. You’ll find its massive boilers and engines still largely intact, covered in anemones and nudibranchs. Swim through the remaining hull plates, now draped in soft corals, and you’ll inevitably flush out shy catsharks tucked into crevices. Look out for the resident octopus, often spotted near the stern, blending perfectly with the encrusted metal. It’s a site that suits divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a surge; the visibility can vary, but on a good day, the light streaming through the fragmented decks is quite something. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack tide to really appreciate the scale without battling the push.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.389446, 18.491667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

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 LUSITANIA

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 LUSITANIA

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

How deep is the RMS Lusitania wreck for diving?
The Lusitania wreck is located at a depth of 10 meters, making it quite accessible for divers. This relatively shallow depth allows for longer bottom times and ample light penetration, enhancing the diving experience.
What can divers expect to see when exploring the Lusitania wreck?
Divers exploring the Lusitania wreck can expect to encounter the remains of a significant liner vessel, built in 1906 and sunk on April 18, 1911. This substantial wreck measures 128.2m in length and 15.6m in width, offering a large structure to explore. You can observe details of its past, including its triple-expansion engines.
How challenging is it to dive the Lusitania wreck?
Diving the Lusitania wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While it's accessible at 10m, it is also classified as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating potential hazards that require careful planning and appropriate training. Divers should be comfortable with wreck diving techniques and aware of the site's specific challenges.
What is the best time of year to dive the Lusitania?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Lusitania. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the Cape Town & Western Cape region, we recommend checking our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive the RMS Lusitania?
Given the Lusitania wreck's intermediate difficulty and its classification as a wreck dive, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Specialized wreck diving certifications are highly recommended to safely navigate and explore the site, especially considering its "Dangerous wreck" classification.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Lusitania dive site?
The available data does not provide specific information regarding typical currents or visibility conditions at the Lusitania dive site. We always advise checking local dive operator reports and current weather forecasts before planning your dive to ensure optimal and safe conditions.