Robben Island steamer wreck
Protected Area
Robben island Marine Protected Area
Why dive here
With 269+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales and great white sharks - Robben Island steamer wreck offers some of Cape Town & Western Cape's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 14-16°C, warmest February, March, April.
We often hit the Robben Island steamer wreck when the conditions elsewhere aren't playing ball, and it rarely disappoints. Sitting in about 10-12 metres, it’s a fairly broken-up iron steamer, not one of those intact shipwrecks you can swim through, but there’s still plenty of structure. You’ll find large plates and ribs, twisted metal beams, all colonised by colourful anemones and sponges. Look closely in the crevices and you’ll spot shy moray eels, often a few octopus, and big schools of hottentot darting around the wreckage. It’s a great second dive, especially for those looking to photograph macro life or just enjoy a relaxed exploration without too much current.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 15°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Nearest Dive Centres to Robben Island steamer wreck
Dive shops near Robben Island steamer wreck
Into the Blue Scuba
Two Oceans Aquarium
Best Kiteboarding Africa
Dive Action
Coral Wetsuits
University of Cape Town Underwater Club
Reviews for Robben Island steamer wreck
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Robben Island steamer wreck
Robben Island steamer wreck Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Robben Island steamer wreck, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-33.92, 18.46) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
15°C
59°F · Range: 12.4–17.2°C
Air Temperature
17°C
62°F
Wind Speed
7.33 m/s
14.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1018.1 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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