MERESTEIJN

Best months: Mar

Protected Area

Jutten 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 - MERESTEIJN offers some of Cape Town & Western Cape's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 14-16°C, warmest February, March, April.

Best timeMar

WetsuitA 7mm wetsuit with a hood

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Blue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales and Great White Sharks · 269+ species recorded

Water14-16°C · warmest February, March, April

CharacterWreck dive · max 7m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

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.