SAS Bloemfontein - Cape Town & Western Cape

The SAS Bloemfontein, a former frigate, rests upright on a sandy bottom off Cape Town. We typically find the wreck in good condition, with plenty of entry points for penetration if you're qualified and experienced. Look out for the resident shy sharks and various smaller reef fish darting through the structure. This site suits advanced divers comfortable with colder water and wreck diving.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.244300, 18.665900

Marine Protected Area: False Bay Seal Island Provincial Nature Reserve

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 SAS Bloemfontein

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 SAS Bloemfontein

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 SAS Bloemfontein wreck dive?
The maximum depth for the SAS Bloemfontein dive site is currently unknown based on the available data. Divers should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information regarding its depth.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the SAS Bloemfontein?
While specific marine life details are not provided, as a "reef" type dive, divers can generally expect to encounter various marine species. The SAS Bloemfontein itself is a former Algerine-class minesweeper, offering interesting wreck features for exploration. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the SAS Bloemfontein wreck, and what skill level is required?
Diving the SAS Bloemfontein is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. Divers should possess the necessary experience and skills for this level of diving.
When is the best time of year or what are the ideal weather conditions to dive the SAS Bloemfontein?
Information regarding the best time of year or ideal weather conditions for diving the SAS Bloemfontein is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on dive seasons, please refer to our when to dive section.
What diving certifications are necessary to safely dive the SAS Bloemfontein wreck?
Given the intermediate difficulty of the SAS Bloemfontein dive, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is generally recommended. However, specific certification requirements should always be confirmed with local dive operators in Cape Town & Western Cape.
What are the typical currents, visibility, and water conditions like at the SAS Bloemfontein dive site?
Details regarding typical currents, visibility, and water conditions at the SAS Bloemfontein dive site are not specified in the provided data. Divers are advised to check with local dive centers in Cape Town & Western Cape for current conditions before planning their dive.