MALMESBURY - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Malmesbury wreck, at a shallow 10 metres, is one of our favourite shore dives along this stretch of coast. She was a big steamship, over 120 metres long, that hit Jacob Reef back in 1930. The exposure to swell means she’s pretty broken up, but that just makes for a fascinating jumble of metal. We love picking through the larger plates of her hull and imagining the scale of the original vessel. What you'll find today is a fantastic playground for fish. Schools of hottentot dart through the ribs, and we often spot shy pyjama sharks tucked away in crevices. The current can pick up here, so we always suggest diving around slack high tide for the easiest entry and best visibility. It’s a cracker for newer wreck divers or anyone who appreciates a shallower site with plenty to explore without deep deco obligations.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-32.911945, 17.840834
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Malgas 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 MALMESBURY

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 MALMESBURY

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

What is the typical depth range for scuba diving at Malmesbury?
The Malmesbury dive site offers a typical depth of 10m, making it a relatively shallow wreck dive. This depth is ideal for exploring the remains of the steamship vessel.
What kind of marine life or underwater features can divers expect to see at the Malmesbury dive site?
Divers at the Malmesbury dive site can expect to explore the impressive underwater features of a steam ship vessel. This significant wreck, measuring 123.4m x 16m, was built in 1928 and sank on Jacob Reef in 1930. As a classified wreck showing portions of its hull and superstructure, it provides a fascinating historical dive experience.
How difficult is diving at Malmesbury, and is it suitable for beginners or only experienced divers?
Diving at Malmesbury is classified as intermediate difficulty. This means it is generally suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certification. While not recommended for absolute beginners, divers with a few dives under their belt should find it manageable and rewarding.
What is the best time of year to dive at Malmesbury for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Malmesbury for optimal conditions or visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Cape Town & Western Cape region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive at Malmesbury?
Given that the Malmesbury dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, it is recommended that divers possess certifications and experience beyond basic open water. While no specific certification is explicitly stated, an advanced open water certification or equivalent experience would be beneficial for safely exploring this wreck.
What are the usual currents and water conditions like at the Malmesbury dive site?
The available data for the Malmesbury dive site does not include specific details on usual currents or water conditions. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators in Cape Town & Western Cape for the most up-to-date information on conditions.