MV Treasure - Cape Town & Western Cape

The MV Treasure, sunk in 2000, offers a good exploration dive off Cape Town. We find it resting in about 30 metres, often with decent visibility for the area, though that can always change. It’s a substantial wreck, broken into a few pieces, with plenty to poke around in, especially if you like seeing how marine life reclaims a steel hulk. You’ll usually spot some resident fish, maybe even an octopus tucked into a crevice, and it’s a solid pick for advanced divers comfortable with deeper wrecks in potentially surge-y conditions.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.674133, 18.332632
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Seal Ledges Provincial Nature Reserve

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 MV Treasure

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 MV Treasure

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 maximum depth of the MV Treasure dive site and what are the shallower parts of the wreck?
The exact maximum depth of the MV Treasure dive site is currently unknown based on our available data. Therefore, specific information regarding shallower parts of the wreck is also not provided. Divers should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date depth information before planning their dive.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the MV Treasure?
The MV Treasure is a known wreck dive site, having sunk six miles off the coast of South Africa. While the historical context involves an oil spill that threatened African penguin populations, specific details about current marine life or distinct wreck features available for divers are not provided in our current data. We recommend checking with local dive centers for current observations of marine inhabitants and wreck conditions.
How challenging is diving the MV Treasure wreck, and what skill level is required?
Diving the MV Treasure wreck is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should possess a good level of experience and comfort in various diving conditions. It's always advisable to ensure your skills are up to par for intermediate wreck diving challenges.
When is the best time of year to dive the MV Treasure for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the MV Treasure for optimal conditions is not specified in our current data. For details on seasonal variations and ideal diving periods, we recommend consulting local dive operators in the Cape Town & Western Cape region or checking our When to Dive section for general guidance.
What diving certifications are necessary to dive the MV Treasure wreck?
While the MV Treasure is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive, specific diving certifications necessary are not detailed in our current information. Typically, intermediate wreck dives may require certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver or a Wreck Diver specialty. It is best to confirm exact certification requirements with a local dive center in Cape Town & Western Cape before planning your dive.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like at the MV Treasure dive site?
Details regarding the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility at the MV Treasure dive site are not provided in our current database. For up-to-date information on these environmental factors, it is always recommended to contact local dive operators in the Cape Town & Western Cape area. They can offer the most accurate insights based on recent observations.