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