PHYLLISIA - Cape Town & Western Cape

Phyllisia isn't about depth, that's for sure. At a mere five metres, this wreck dive is more like a snorkel with extra gear, but don’t let the shallowness fool you. We love it because it’s so accessible, a perfect option when the deeper sites are too surgey or the boat schedule doesn't align. The steamship ran aground in 1968, close to Olifantsbos. You can still see a good portion of her hull and superstructure breaking the surface at low tide, which is a big part of its charm. Descending, you’re straight onto the twisted metal skeleton, draped in kelp and thick with growth. Schools of juvenile hottentot fish swirl through the beams, and we’ve often spotted shy puffadder shysharks tucked into the crevices. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs crawling over the rusting plates, their colours surprisingly vivid against the muted tones of the wreck. It’s a site that changes with the light and the swell, always offering something a little different. It’s an ideal spot for new wreck divers, or those wanting to practice their photography without the pressure of a deep dive. The entry can be a bit of a walk from the beach, so pack light. We always find it best on a calm morning, before the wind picks up, when the sun penetrates the water and really brings the colours to life.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.308500, 18.399334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Table Mountain National Park 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 PHYLLISIA

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 PHYLLISIA

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