Smitswinkel Bay Wrecks - Cape Town & Western Cape

Smitswinkel Bay, a collection of five scuttled vessels, is our favourite wreck dive in the Cape. It’s a proper playground, a deliberate attempt to create an artificial reef, and it’s worked brilliantly. You’ve got everything from a naval boom defence vessel, the SAS Fleur, to a couple of fishing trawlers, the Annie B and the Princess Elizabeth, all resting between 15 and 35 metres. We love dropping down onto the Princess Elizabeth first, often finding redeye and oman porgy shoaling around her mast. The visibility here can swing wildly, but on a good day, when the south-easter has blown itself out, you can see the shapes of multiple wrecks emerging from the blue. It’s always cooler down deep, a proper Atlantic chill that keeps you alert. Explore the holds, peer into the darker corners for shy albatross or even arrowhead dogfish if you're lucky. The sheer number of species recorded here, over 230, tells its own story. Smitswinkel suits divers comfortable with colder water and decent depth, offering ample opportunity for penetration and exploration across a truly unique complex. Just remember to check the forecast; a strong south-easter makes for a bumpy ride out.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.250000, 18.450000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15-35m
Difficulty
Intermediate

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 Smitswinkel Bay Wrecks

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 Smitswinkel Bay Wrecks

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