SAS Goodhope, wreck - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Big Wall delivers exactly what the name promises: a serious vertical drop. We love the sheer scale of it, plunging from a comfortable 24 metres down to a hazy 60 metres or more. It’s less about a frantic search for tiny critters and more about soaking in the grandeur of the ocean. We always make a point of checking out the small caves and overhangs carved into the wall. That’s where you’ll often find lobsters tucked away and sometimes a stingray resting on the sandy ledges. Keep an eye out for Titan triggerfish; they’re often patrolling the wall, looking for an easy meal. If you hit it between June and September, there's a real chance of spotting hammerhead sharks cruising out in the blue. We'd suggest this site for confident divers who appreciate dramatic topography and don’t mind a bit of current, as it can get lively here.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.264700, 18.481800
Type
wall

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 SAS Goodhope, wreck

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 Goodhope, wreck

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 Goodhope wreck dive site?
The SAS Goodhope wreck dive site has a maximum depth of 32m. Divers can expect the main deck to be about 25m before it slowly starts to collapse.
What kind of marine life and features can divers expect to see on the SAS Goodhope wreck?
Divers exploring the SAS Goodhope wreck can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including pelagic fish, sunfish, yellowtail, frilled nudibranchs, and Panga fish. Scorpion fish have also been frequently spotted. The main deck, found at approximately 25m, is slowly collapsing, adding to the wreck's character.
How challenging is the SAS Goodhope wreck dive, considering its structural stability and potential for penetration?
The SAS Goodhope wreck is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. Divers should be aware that the wreck's structure is unstable, which necessitates caution. There is no information provided regarding potential for penetration.
When is the best time of year to dive the SAS Goodhope wreck for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the SAS Goodhope wreck for optimal conditions is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required or highly recommended to dive the SAS Goodhope wreck?
The provided data does not specify any required or highly recommended diving certifications for the SAS Goodhope wreck. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 32m, advanced open water or wreck diving specialties would generally be beneficial.
What are the typical visibility, currents, and general water conditions like at the SAS Goodhope wreck dive site?
At the SAS Goodhope wreck, the average visibility is 7m. Visibility is typically poor around the 20m mark but tends to improve as divers approach the main deck of the shipwreck. Information regarding typical currents or general water conditions is not available in the provided context.