SEA TRADER - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Sea Trader wreck sits at a shallow 11 meters, an easy dive that’s often overlooked in favour of deeper Cape Town sites. This motor vessel went down in 1971, breaking apart and leaving a jumble of hull and superstructure that’s now thoroughly covered in growth. We’ve found plenty of shy reef fish darting amongst the twisted metal, and the occasional octopus tucked into a crevice. It’s a good choice for newer wreck divers or photographers looking for a shallow, well-lit canvas without the usual currents of False Bay.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-32.711666, 17.927778
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Marine Protected Area: Paternoster Rocks 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 SEA TRADER

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 SEA TRADER

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 SEA TRADER dive site?
The maximum depth of the SEA TRADER dive site is 11 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers, offering a comfortable profile for exploring the wreck.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the SEA TRADER?
Divers exploring the SEA TRADER can expect to encounter the substantial remains of a motor vessel, measuring 140.9m x 20.1m. This wreck, built in 1949 and sunk in 1971, is classified as showing any portion of its hull or superstructure. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks commonly serve as artificial reefs, attracting diverse ecosystems.
How challenging is the SEA TRADER wreck dive for different skill levels?
The SEA TRADER wreck dive is rated as intermediate in difficulty. This suggests that divers should possess some experience beyond entry-level certification to safely and enjoyably navigate the site.
What is the best time of year to dive the SEA TRADER for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the SEA TRADER for optimal conditions is not available in the provided data. For the most current insights on seasonal conditions, we recommend checking with local dive operators in Cape Town & Western Cape.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the SEA TRADER wreck?
Given the SEA TRADER's intermediate difficulty rating, divers should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. While specific requirements may vary by dive operator, having experience with wreck diving or similar conditions is highly recommended for a safe and enjoyable experience.
What are the typical water conditions, like visibility and currents, at the SEA TRADER dive site?
The provided data does not specify typical water conditions such as visibility or currents for the SEA TRADER dive site. It is always advisable to consult with local dive centers in Cape Town & Western Cape for up-to-date conditions before planning your dive.