OVAMBO COAST - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Ovambo Coast is one of those dives that sticks with you, even if it’s just a two-meter splash. It’s a wreck dive, but not like any other. The ship went down in 1959, and you’re essentially snorkelling or very shallow diving over its ribs and plating. We love how the kelp has completely engulfed the remaining structure. It feels like swimming through a skeletal forest, where the ship’s bones are now part of the reef. Visibility can be a bit of a gamble, but on a good day, the light filters through the kelp, creating these incredible green and gold shafts. We've seen shy pyjama sharks tucked into crevices and playful seals darting through the kelp fronds. It's a fantastic spot for photographers looking for unique light and composition, or for anyone who just wants to spend a relaxed hour exploring a wreck without the deep dive commitment. Our favourite tip? Go at high tide for the best visibility, and keep an eye out for the small nudibranchs clinging to the metal.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.043335, 17.969444
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

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 OVAMBO COAST

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 OVAMBO COAST

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