PANTELIS A. LEMOS - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Pantelis A. Lemos wreck isn't about depth, it's about sheer scale. This monster of a bulk carrier, split into three main sections, lies just six metres down in False Bay. We love it for how accessible it is, even for newer divers, but don't mistake shallow for uninteresting. Swimming over the massive engine room or exploring the bridge section, you really feel the history – a ship built in '73, gone by '78. The real show here, beyond the steel itself, is the life it holds. The visibility can be a bit variable, especially after a strong southerly, but when it’s good, you’ll find pyjama sharks tucked into crevices, schools of hottentot darting through openings, and plenty of nudibranchs clinging to the superstructure. Our favourite part has to be the stern section; it’s just massive, and the way the light filters through the collapsed plating creates some incredible photo opportunities. We'd suggest aiming for a calm morning; the swell can make it a bit bouncy at the surface, but it's always worth the dive.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.165000, 18.022778
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Marine Protected Area: Sixteen Mile Beach 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 PANTELIS A. LEMOS

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 PANTELIS A. LEMOS

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 typical depth range for diving the Pantelis A. Lemos shipwreck?
The Pantelis A. Lemos shipwreck is found at a typical depth of 6 meters. This shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers, offering a unique opportunity to explore a historical wreck.
What kind of marine life and wreckage can divers expect to see at the Pantelis A. Lemos site?
Divers exploring the Pantelis A. Lemos can expect to encounter the impressive remains of a substantial bulk carrier vessel, measuring 243.7m x 32.3m. The site is classified as a wreck showing portions of its hull or superstructure, offering a fascinating glimpse into its past as a ship built in 1973. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wreck dives often attract various species over time.
How challenging is diving the Pantelis A. Lemos wreck, considering its condition and location?
Diving the Pantelis A. Lemos wreck is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. As a wreck showing portions of its hull or superstructure, it presents interesting features for exploration that require a moderate level of diving skill and experience.
What are the best times of year or tidal conditions to dive the Pantelis A. Lemos for optimal visibility and safety?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or tidal conditions for optimal visibility and safety when diving the Pantelis A. Lemos. For general guidance on planning your dives and understanding seasonal variations, you can consult our When to Dive resource.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels recommended for exploring the Pantelis A. Lemos shipwreck?
Given that the Pantelis A. Lemos wreck is classified with an intermediate difficulty, divers should possess appropriate certifications and experience for such conditions. This typically means being comfortable with wreck diving principles and having a good grasp of buoyancy control to safely navigate the site.
What are the typical current and wave conditions encountered when diving the Pantelis A. Lemos wreck on the Atlantic coast?
The provided data for the Pantelis A. Lemos does not include specific details regarding typical current and wave conditions encountered at the site. Divers planning to explore this wreck near Cape Town & Western Cape should consult local dive operators for up-to-date environmental information before their dive.