OTORI MARU NO 8 - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Otori Maru No. 8 is one of those wrecks that just keeps giving, especially if you love a good story with your dive. She went down in a thick fog back in ‘84, making her way to the fishing grounds, and now she’s settled nice and deep at 30 metres. We love how intact she is, still looking like a fishing vessel rather than just a pile of scrap. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer scale – that big stern section still sits proud, often draped in kelp. We’ve found the wheelhouse is always a highlight; it’s largely intact and you can still poke your head in, imagining the final moments before she started taking on water. Visibility can be a bit variable here, so pick a calm day with minimal swell for the best experience. When it’s good, though, the light filtering through the kelp onto the deck makes for some dramatic photos. Keep an eye out for the shy reef fish that have made the wreck their home. We’ve seen a lot of hottentot and strepies darting in and out of the holds, and the odd shy shark tucked away in a shadowy corner. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, letting you piece together the vessel’s history as you go. Definitely one for the wreck hounds and anyone who appreciates a bit of maritime history beneath the waves.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.716667, 19.516666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

Marine Protected Area: Dyer Island Nature Reserve Complex

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 OTORI MARU NO 8

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 OTORI MARU NO 8

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 'OTORI MARU NO 8' wreck for diving?
The 'OTORI MARU NO 8' wreck offers diving to a maximum depth of 30 meters. This depth makes it an exciting site for divers looking to explore deeper wreck diving equipment and techniques. It's an intermediate-level dive, suitable for those comfortable with such depths.
What kind of marine life and artifacts can divers expect to see on the 'OTORI MARU NO 8'?
The 'OTORI MARU NO 8' is a fishing vessel that sank on March 19, 1984, after running onto rocks in thick fog. As a wreck showing portions of its hull and superstructure, divers can expect to explore the remains of this historical vessel. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various marine species over time.
How challenging is the 'OTORI MARU NO 8' dive site for recreational divers?
The 'OTORI MARU NO 8' dive site is classified as intermediate in difficulty, making it suitable for recreational divers with some experience. Divers should be comfortable with depths up to 30 meters and potential conditions associated with Cape Town & Western Cape diving. This rating suggests a moderate level of skill and comfort in varied underwater environments.
What is the best time of year to dive the 'OTORI MARU NO 8' for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the 'OTORI MARU NO 8' for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult DivePlnr's when-to-dive guide for the South Africa area. Local dive operators can also provide up-to-date seasonal advice.
What diving certifications are required to dive the 'OTORI MARU NO 8' wreck?
Given the 'OTORI MARU NO 8' wreck's maximum depth of 30 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, divers typically need at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience for deeper wreck diving. Always confirm specific requirements with your chosen dive operator.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the 'OTORI MARU NO 8' dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical currents or visibility conditions at the 'OTORI MARU NO 8' dive site. Divers planning a trip to this wreck should consult local dive operators for the most current conditions. Conditions can vary greatly depending on weather and season in the Cape Town & Western Cape region.