MERESTEIJN - Cape Town & Western Cape

The *Meresteijn* isn't a deep dive, barely hitting 7 metres, but it offers a fascinating glimpse into history right in the shallows. We love it for its sheer historical weight; this East Indiaman went down in 1702, and for centuries, coins and relics have been washing up from its resting place. Diving here, you're not seeing a perfectly intact ship. Instead, the wreck is a scattered collection of timbers and artefacts, blended seamlessly with the rocky reef. Visibility can be a bit variable, as it's so shallow and close to shore. We'd suggest picking a calm day with minimal swell for the best experience. Look for the glint of cannons, the outline of anchors, and often, you'll spot shy octopus tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you. Colourful nudibranchs are common, too, inching across the ancient wood. It's a perfect site for snorkelers, freedivers, or divers who prefer long bottom times exploring a piece of maritime history. Just remember, it’s a protected site, so look, don’t touch.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.087500, 17.955555
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Marine Protected Area: Jutten 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 MERESTEIJN

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 MERESTEIJN

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