North cardinal wreck - Cape Town & Western Cape

Reggies is one of those sites that just feels generous. We love the sheer density of soft corals right from the drop, particularly those vast green tree corals that sway like submerged forests. It’s an immediate immersion into a busy ecosystem, a real visual feast. Our favourite dives here are often the ones where you drift gently past the wall, keeping an eye out into the blue. We’ve had some cracking encounters with oceanic manta rays gliding by, those giants appearing almost out of nowhere. We’ve also seen whitetip reef sharks resting in the sandy patches and the occasional sleek unicornfish darting around. Visibility averages 13 metres, which is decent, but it can kick up a bit in a swell, so pick your day if you can. The maximum depth is 26 metres, making it comfortable for advanced open water divers, especially on nitrox to extend that bottom time. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like the sunburst butterflyfish tucked into crevices and black sea cucumbers idling on the reef. Reggies is a site for divers who appreciate lush coral formations and the chance of spotting some impressive pelagics.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.022600, 17.962400
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
10-25m

Marine Protected Area: Marcus 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 North cardinal wreck

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 North cardinal wreck

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 North cardinal wreck dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at the North cardinal wreck dive site is 12 meters. This makes it accessible for divers with various certification levels and is ideal for those looking for a shallower wreck experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the North cardinal wreck?
Divers exploring the North cardinal wreck can expect to see a wreck mostly covered in sand, situated between two north Cardinal buoys. The site is home to various plant life, including kelp, sea urchins, and prominently, anemones. Marine life such as crayfish, cuttle fish, and kolsterte are also frequently encountered here.
How challenging is diving the North cardinal wreck, considering its conditions?
Diving the North cardinal wreck is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the maximum depth is 12 meters, divers should be prepared for an average visibility of only 2 meters. Additionally, it is a boat dive and requires prior permission to access.
What are the best times or tidal conditions to dive the North cardinal wreck?
The provided data does not specify the best times or tidal conditions for diving the North cardinal wreck. For optimal planning, it is always recommended to consult local dive operators or when-to-dive resources for current conditions and advice on tides.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the North cardinal wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, the North cardinal wreck is rated as an intermediate dive with a maximum depth of 12 meters. Divers should possess at least an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent to safely explore this site. Always check with the local dive center for any specific prerequisites, especially since permission is required.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the North cardinal wreck?
Divers at the North cardinal wreck can expect an average visibility of 2 meters. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions, so it's advisable to inquire with local dive operators before planning your dive to understand any potential currents.