SAS Transvaal (Wreck) - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Blade is one of those sites that just feels… substantial. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a big slab of reef pushing out from the coast, with a relatively shallow top around 8 meters, then dropping sharply on both flanks down to 29 meters. We love it for the sheer drama of the topography; swimming along the edge, looking down into that deep blue, you really feel the ocean’s scale. Visibility averages around 15 meters, which, honestly, is plenty to appreciate the structure and the schools of fish that hang around. We often spot big groups of Ballyhoo zipping past, and the resident Saddle Squirrelfish always seem to be peeking out from the coral ledges. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; the nooks in the rock are where we’ve found Sharpnose Pufferfish and occasionally a well-camouflaged Orangespotted Filefish. It's a great spot for advanced divers who appreciate dramatic reef formations and the potential for pelagic encounters.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.264100, 18.478700
Type
reef

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 Transvaal (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 Transvaal (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 Transvaal wreck and what can divers expect to see at that depth?
The SAS Transvaal wreck has a maximum depth of 29m. At this depth, divers will find the wreck lying at an angle on a flat sand bottom, with its bow oriented towards the NE. You can expect to encounter various marine life such as sea sponges, horsefish, and Barred Finger Fin around the structure, which you can learn more about in our Wildlife Database.
How difficult is diving the SAS Transvaal wreck, and what are the main hazards divers should be aware of?
Diving the SAS Transvaal wreck is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. Divers must be aware of the main hazards, including the collapsing hull structure, which makes penetration dangerous and should be avoided. Additionally, the current is quite strong, and visibility is often poor due to the usually green water.
What kind of marine life and unique features can divers expect to encounter on the SAS Transvaal wreck?
On the SAS Transvaal wreck, divers can expect to encounter marine life such as sea sponges, horsefish, and Barred Finger Fin. The wreck itself is a unique feature, mostly intact with its mast fallen to the port side, lying at an angle on a flat sand bottom. However, be mindful that the hull structure is collapsing.
What is the best time of year to dive the SAS Transvaal wreck, considering factors like visibility and currents?
The best time of year to dive the SAS Transvaal wreck is during winter. Summer is considered the worst time for diving this site due to strong currents and typically green water, which contributes to poor average visibility of 6m. For more information on seasonal diving, visit our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving the SAS Transvaal wreck, especially for wreck penetration?
The provided data indicates that diving the SAS Transvaal wreck is of intermediate difficulty. While specific certification requirements are not detailed, divers should be aware that the hull structure is collapsing, making any form of wreck penetration extremely hazardous and not recommended. It is always advisable to dive within your certification limits and experience level, especially given the strong currents and poor visibility.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions experienced when diving the SAS Transvaal wreck?
When diving the SAS Transvaal wreck, divers can expect quite strong currents. The typical visibility conditions are generally poor, with an average visibility of 6m. This reduced visibility is primarily due to the water usually being quite green.